UFC 314 Event Review: Who Gained and Lost the Most in Miami

UFC 314 has concluded, marking a significant event where Alexander Volkanovski defied expectations to become a two-time champion.

In the main event of UFC 314, Volkanovski secured a clear victory by decision against Diego Lopes, reclaiming the featherweight title. This win made “The Great” the first fighter under 155 pounds to win UFC gold after the age of 35, especially notable after suffering two consecutive knockout defeats.

Adding to the excitement, the co-main event saw Paddy Pimblett deliver a career-defining performance against Michael Chandler, while Jean Silva dominated Bryce Mitchell in their highly anticipated match.

With UFC 314 delivering numerous talking points, a panel of experts gathered to dissect the most important aspects of this pay-per-view event.

Heck: This event delivered high quality and showed the positive outcomes when the UFC invests effort. When they prioritize quality, the audience responds positively. Overall, a solid A- grade.

Martin: This was arguably the best card of the year so far. Featherweight division sees a familiar face at the top, and the UFC might have found a new star in Paddy Pimblett, potentially filling the void for a major draw.

Lee: A well-structured card that restored order to the featherweight division, a premier division in MMA, and elevated Paddy Pimblett`s profile to a new level.

Meshew: This is what a truly engaging MMA event looks like! It’s been a while since the UFC truly committed to creating a great card, and the result was as enjoyable as Saturday`s event. They should prioritize this approach more often.

Lee: The featherweight division is now ready to move forward from the Ilia Topuria era.

Despite the anticipation for a Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev fight, there`s a sense of disappointment that Topuria`s reign at 145 pounds was cut short. Potential compelling challengers like Movsar Evloev, Jean Silva, Lerone Murphy, and newcomer Aaron Pico were on the horizon, but the lure of the two-division title proved too strong. To his credit, Topuria vacated the title smoothly, and the UFC 314 main event provided a satisfying conclusion to this chapter.

Alexander Volkanovski is back at the top, creating a positive moment that also allows for the division to progress. Just as Volkanovski previously passed the torch to Topuria, he now has another opportunity to elevate emerging contenders while further solidifying his own legacy.

It’s a fresh start with a familiar and respected leader in the division.

Heck: Movsar Evloev emerged as a significant winner in the featherweight division at UFC 314, even without competing.

Before discussing Evloev, recognition is due to Volkanovski. He is like MMA’s version of a highly skilled athlete – on his best days, he appears unbeatable, but even when not at his absolute peak, he is still exceptionally effective. He executed a brilliant game plan, adhered to it effectively, and recovered from setbacks to secure a decisive victory.

For Evloev, UFC 314 could have been detrimental. Yair Rodriguez`s dominant win, while impressive, didn`t generate strong fan demand for a title shot. However, with Volkanovski`s victory, only Rodriguez and his team seem interested in that rematch. Evloev is now firmly positioned to contend for the UFC title.

Martin: Volkanovski is now the featherweight GOAT (Greatest Of All Time).

The immediate counter-argument is Jose Aldo’s seven title defenses, a record Volkanovski may not surpass. While the title defense streak is valid, Volkanovski`s achievement as the first fighter over 35 to win gold in divisions 155 pounds and below is remarkable. He is now a two-time champion, mirroring Aldo’s feat of reclaiming the title after losing it.

However, Volkanovski accomplishing this at 36 against a younger, hungry fighter like Diego Lopes is incredibly impressive. He has won seven of his eight UFC featherweight title fights, and his loss to Ilia Topuria, while a setback, wasn`t as devastating as Aldo`s quick knockout by McGregor. While the GOAT debate is subjective, Volkanovski solidified his historical standing with this victory.

Meshew: Ignoring the GOAT debate for now, regaining the title signifies several things for Volkanovski. Firstly, it reinforces his status as an exceptional fighter, among the all-time top 10. Even when not at their absolute best, true legends deliver elite performances, and Volkanovski exemplifies this.

However, Volkanovski reclaiming the title also feels somewhat anticlimactic. While a significant achievement, for any fighter other than the popular Volkanovski, his win might be seen as less desirable because Topuria is still considered the champion in many respects, even after vacating the title. This situation is reminiscent of Daniel Cormier`s light heavyweight title reign being overshadowed by Jon Jones` presence.

Volkanovski is the current UFC champion, but arguably not the best featherweight globally, and Topuria could easily return to the division if his venture to 155 pounds is unsuccessful. The biggest disappointment is Topuria relinquishing his title, as a rematch with Volkanovski would be highly anticipated.

Heck: I might be alone on this, but if I were in charge, Paddy Pimblett would be next in line for a title shot.

Many factors will evolve in the coming months, and UFC 315 will provide further clarity. Regardless of whether Belal Muhammad retains the welterweight title and the UFC books Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria for the lightweight belt, Pimblett should face the winner. If JDM wins, a Topuria vs. Pimblett fight for the vacant belt could be set if Makhachev moves to 170.

The UFC has skillfully managed Pimblett’s career progression, fostering his confidence and skill development. Pimblett’s self-belief is now genuinely translating into his performances.

While matches against Charles Oliveira or Arman Tsarukyan are possibilities, why risk derailing the momentum? Even if Pimblett loses a title fight, his star power and potential for big fights remain, ensuring a successful career. The UFC should capitalize on his current trajectory.

Lee: I correctly predicted Pimblett vs. Tony Ferguson and Pimblett vs. Michael Chandler, but my prediction for his next opponent is less certain.

It’s Charles Oliveira.

The reasoning is based on elimination. Islam Makhachev is a possibility, especially considering Dana White`s dismissal of giving Arman Tsarukyan another immediate chance. Continuing to build the Pimblett wave seems more likely post-UFC 314, though it might be premature.

Dustin Poirier or Justin Gaethje? Pimblett may be gaining their attention, but he might not fit Poirier’s criteria for a “legacy fight,” and Gaethje should first settle things with Dan Hooker.

Therefore, Oliveira emerges as the likely opponent. It`s a stylistically intriguing and genuinely challenging matchup that even Pimblett`s critics would find hard to dismiss if he wins against a former lightweight champion. Conversely, if Oliveira stops Pimblett, it strengthens the case for his rematch with Makhachev.

Martin: While a fight against Charles Oliveira for Paddy is interesting, why not go bigger and book him against Ilia Topuria for maximum impact?

Despite signs pointing towards Topuria getting an immediate title shot at 155 pounds, it`s not the ideal route. While impressive wins over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway are notable, Topuria`s single title defense isn`t enough to warrant an immediate lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev.

Topuria could fight Oliveira or Justin Gaethje to earn his title shot, but a fight with Paddy Pimblett would be a massive event, potentially the biggest non-title fight since Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz.

Yes, it would remove one from title contention, but this concept is overstated. Dustin Poirier was seemingly “eliminated” after losing to Gaethje in 2023, yet received a title shot less than a year later. Timing and opportunity are crucial. Booking Pimblett vs. Topuria sooner rather than later would generate significant hype.

Meshew: Before UFC 314, Pimblett vs. Chandler seemed like a stepping stone for a Topuria fight. Agreeing with Martin, it’s now the best business move. They have a built-in rivalry, both are near title contention, and a loss wouldn’t be devastating for either. If I were the UFC, this is the fight to make.

However, personally, after Saturday, my perspective changed. I wasn`t a strong Pimblett believer, but he consistently improves, and UFC 314 might be a turning point. Pimblett shows similarities to Dricus du Plessis, and I’m becoming a supporter. As a new Pimblett fan, I want to see him fight Charles Oliveira because of his dominant win over Chandler, a matchup where Oliveira didn`t achieve the same level of dominance, making it stylistically fascinating.

Heck: While higher-ranked fighters exist, Patricio Pitbull is my surprising answer for who lost the most.

Seeing Pitbull in the UFC octagon was unexpected, and concerns about his signing and the matchup with Rodriguez materialized quickly. Pitbull has significant wear and tear, and while he can win UFC fights, a title run seems unlikely. Few fighters in the top 15, or even outside, are matchups where Pitbull would be favored.

Speed has always been a key weapon for Pitbull, but he won’t have that advantage against most in the division. Rodriguez displayed superior speed compared to the Bellator legend, highlighting the difference in competition levels over recent years. Hopefully, the UFC gives Pitbull a winnable fight before using him to elevate prospects, which seems inevitable.

Martin: I dislike the term “loser,” but Michael Chandler arguably lost the most at UFC 314.

Despite a 2-4 UFC record, Chandler could previously point to his losses being against former champions in thrilling fights. He battled Charles Oliveira (twice), Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier, performing competitively in each.

UFC 314 was different.

Chandler had some early moments, but his stamina seemed to fade, and Paddy Pimblett overwhelmed him. The fight wasn’t close or particularly exciting as Chandler was simply outmatched. Now at 38 with a 2-5 UFC record, he may barely remain in the top 15 rankings post-loss. Dana White compared Chandler to Arturo Gatti, but Gatti`s career ended with a 1-3 record in his final four fights, including a knockout loss to Floyd Mayweather.

Lee: Sympathy goes to Darren Elkins, a true veteran who must recognize the signs, metaphorically and literally, given his nickname “Damage.”

Losses aren’t new for Elkins, who made his 30th UFC appearance, nor are prolonged beatings, from which he often rallied to win. However, there was something particularly concerning about his fight with Julian Erosa. He was hurt early, then endured an extended sequence of undefended strikes leading to the finish. It’s hard not to wonder if Elkins should consider retirement, approaching his 41st birthday.

Of course, referee Mike Beltran was also a loser, continuing to make late stoppages, even when fighters like Drew Dober rely on timely intervention for their safety. Beltran’s license should be reconsidered immediately.

Meshew: Diego Lopes is my pick for biggest loser, as he might not get another title shot opportunity like this again. Lopes became a fan favorite after a respectable loss to Movsar Evloev and subsequent wins. However, pre-fight concerns about him were validated. Despite his danger, Lopes lacks strategic depth, and Volkanovski solved him relatively easily.

Moreover, Lopes likely realizes he missed a crucial opportunity. Twice in the fight, rounds two and four, he hurt Volkanovski, yet didn’t capitalize decisively, letting Volkanovski recover. While Volkanovski’s resilience played a part, Lopes also lacked the necessary urgency to press his advantage. He didn’t fight with the intensity needed to defeat Volkanovski and was ultimately outclassed for most of the fight.

Lee: Virna Jandiroba entered UFC 314 as the No. 1 strawweight contender and remains the No. 1 strawweight contender post-event.

Jandiroba had little to gain from a tough fight against Yan Xiaonan, but she maximized the opportunity, showcasing her elite grappling to secure a clear decision. This wasn’t merely maintaining her position; Jandiroba strengthened her case as a compelling challenger for Zhang Weili or a participant in a vacant title fight should Zhang move to flyweight.

Despite its placement on the preliminary card of a pay-per-view, Jandiroba’s win over Yan was well-received by the Miami crowd (unlike other grappling-heavy fights that drew boos), suggesting she could inject excitement into the flyweight championship picture, regardless of Zhang’s future plans.

Heck: Dominick Reyes is my choice – largely because his remarkable story was overshadowed at UFC 314.

Reyes’ fighting career seemed over after UFC 281 in November 2022. Following three brutal knockout losses after a controversial loss to Jon Jones, people were hesitant about his future. The 35-year-old was becoming a “what-if” in UFC history, but he’s now on a three-fight knockout streak.

While not heavily highlighted, Reyes delivered the event’s best finish, landing a powerful left hand on Nikita Krylov. Unfortunately, it didn’t earn a bonus.

Reyes’ emotional reaction was powerful and might have been reward enough. Next, a fight against Carlos Ulberg could be ideal. If he wins that, one last title shot could be incredible, potentially one of the most inspiring stories in the sport.

Martin: Pound-for-pound, Jean Silva did the most for his career this past week.

While Paddy Pimblett’s win over Michael Chandler is bigger in scale, Silva elevated his stardom by targeting Bryce Mitchell. From mocking Mitchell’s flat Earth beliefs to subtle references, Silva strategically positioned himself. With four knockouts, Silva could have targeted higher-ranked opponents, similar to his teammate Carlos Prates’ trajectory.

Instead, Silva capitalized on Mitchell’s widespread disapproval after controversial comments. Silva dominated Mitchell, submitting him in two rounds. Except for Kamaru Usman silencing Colby Covington by breaking his jaw, Silva’s victory might be the most celebrated result recently, setting up bigger opportunities.

Meshew: It’s undeniably Jean Silva.

While the “Lord” persona is extra, Silva, beyond being a skilled fighter, made UFC 314 his event. He engaged in significant trash talk, creating high stakes. Had Mitchell won, Silva might have faced severe backlash. Instead, Silva dominated Mitchell and finished him with a impressive choke.

Saturday was Jean Silva’s breakout moment. It will be exciting to see what’s next.