UFC 314 is within the books, and Alexander Volkanovski bucked a number of tendencies as he grew to become a two-time champ.
On Saturday, in the primary occasion of UFC 314, Volkanovski gained a decisive choice towards Diego Lopes to regain the featherweight title. “The Nice” grew to become the primary fighter below 155 kilos to win UFC gold over the age of 35, and doing so following back-to-back knockout losses.
Plus, within the co-main occasion, Paddy Pimblett delivered the efficiency of his profession towards Michael Chandler, whereas Jean Silva brutalized Bryce Mitchell of their heated matchup.
So with loads to speak about coming off the most recent pay-per-view entry, MMA Preventing as soon as once more gathered the mind belief to interrupt down the large subjects coming off of UFC 314.
1. What’s your blurb evaluation of UFC 314?
Heck: Delivered the products, and reveals what can occur when the UFC truly places forth an effort. After they care, so will we. Strong A- grade throughout.
Martin: Finest card of the 12 months to this point and it’s not notably shut. What’s outdated is new once more at featherweight and the UFC might have lastly discovered a brand new famous person not named Conor McGregor.
Lee: A well-put collectively card that introduced order again to featherweight, considered one of MMA’s marquee divisions, and took The Paddy Pimblett Present to the following stage.
Meshew: Man, so that’s what MMA occasion seems like! It’s been so lengthy because the UFC actually tried onerous to make card, and each time they do, it’s as enjoyable as Saturday was. Want they’d do it extra typically.
2. Alexander Volkanovski regaining title means _____ ?
Lee: The featherweight division can transfer on from Ilia Topuria.
I can’t lie, as excited as I’m concerning the prospect of Topuria preventing Islam Makhachev, there’s part of me that’s upset to know we gained’t get to see Topuria go on a legendary run at 145 kilos. Movsar Evloev, Jean Silva, Lerone Murphy, and even UFC newcomer Aaron Pico all projected to be compelling challengers for Topuria, however two-division temptation bought the higher of him. To his credit score, he vacated the title with out subject, and the UFC 314 predominant occasion tied a neat bow on this chapter of his story.
So we’re again with Alexander Volkanovski on the prime, a feel-good second that additionally permits for divisional development. As Volkanovski handed the torch to Topuria, maybe that is one other alternative for him give an identical rub to one of many aforementioned challengers whereas additionally constructing on his personal indelible legacy.
It’s a brand new day with an outdated, acquainted face main the cost.
Heck: Movsar Evloev was the second-biggest winner within the division at UFC 314, and he didn’t even should combat.
Earlier than we get there, tip of the cap to Volkanovski. The person is MMA’s Pedro Martinez — on any given night time, he can appear to be the best to ever do it, however even when he doesn’t have his A+, unhittable stuff, the person can nonetheless ship. He had a masterful sport plan, caught to it (for probably the most half) and although he gave up the proverbial bases-clearing double within the second inning, Volkanovski settled down to finish the outing fantastically.
As for Evloev, UFC 314 might’ve been a extremely dangerous night time for him. Yair Rodriguez profitable the way in which he did, whereas dominant, didn’t depart followers clamoring for him to get a title combat basically. However with Volkanovski profitable, solely Rodriguez, his workforce, and the speedy household of “El Pantera” are taken with that rematch. Evloev goes to get his likelihood to combat for UFC gold.
Martin: He’s now the featherweight GOAT.
Now the speedy pushback to that assertion goes to be “Jose Aldo … he defended the featherweight title seven instances and that’s one thing Volkanovski can most likely by no means match.” You’re not unsuitable relating to a title protection streak however Volkanovski making historical past as the primary fighter over the age of 35 to seize gold in any division from 155 kilos or decrease is a exceptional achievement by itself. Volkanovski is now a two-time champion and sure, Aldo successfully achieved the identical factor when he misplaced the belt to Conor McGregor after which beat Frankie Edgar to reclaim the title after the Irish famous person disappeared from the division.
Nonetheless, Volkanovski doing it at 36, and going towards a younger gun like Diego Lopes, is simply so extremely spectacular. He’s now gained seven out of eight UFC featherweight title fights and his loss to Ilia Topuria was tough however nonetheless not as jaw-dropping as Aldo getting flatlined by McGregor in 13 seconds. In truth, there’s no unsuitable reply however for me, Volkanovski cemented his place in historical past with that win on Saturday.
Meshew: I’m not even going to delve into Damon Martin’s ridiculousness. Come speak to me when Volkanovski has 9 title defenses. Then we are able to talk about GOAT standing. Even Volkanovski himself is aware of what’s up.
And the reality is, Volkanovski regaining the title means a few issues. First, is that’s he’s an distinctive fighter. Volkanovski is likely one of the 10 greatest fighters of all-time, and Saturday was a spectacular feather in his already loaded cap. True all-timers have elite performances even after they aren’t their greatest anymore, and Volkanovski is undeniably that.
However Volk reclaiming the title additionally, sort of doesn’t imply a lot? I hate to belittle the accomplishment — as a result of it completely is one — however for another fighter moreover somebody as beloved as Volk, we’d all agree that him profitable was the “dangerous” final result as a result of Topuria continues to be the champ. Certain, he vacated the title, however I’m sufficiently old to recollect when everybody dismissed Daniel Cormier’s whole gentle heavyweight title reign as a result of Jon Jones existed.
Volkanovski is rightful UFC champion proper now, however he’s not the most effective featherweight on the planet, and if Topuria loses his first combat up at 155, he would possibly come proper again. Principally, my largest takeaway is how lame it’s that Topuria bailed on his title, as a result of after Saturday, I’d very very similar to to see a rematch between he and Volkanovski.
3. What’s subsequent for Paddy Pimblett?
Heck: I could also be on an island right here, but when I’m Uncle Dana and crew, Paddy’s preventing for the belt subsequent.
Clearly, loads can occur and alter within the subsequent few months, and numerous these questions will probably be answered after UFC 315. However even when Belal Muhammad retains the welterweight title towards Jack Della Maddalena, and the UFC books Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria for the light-weight belt, Pimblett ought to get the winner. If JDM wins, it’s Topuria vs. Pimblett for the vacant belt when Makhachev strikes as much as 170.
The UFC has brilliantly matchmade for “The Baddy,” and has finished so in a method the place his confidence — and total skillset — has grown leaps and bounds. Paddy’s not simply saying stuff anymore, he really believes it.
May you throw Pimblett in with Charles Oliveira, or Arman Tsarukyan? In fact. However why even attempt to danger it when it’s proper right here in entrance of you? If Paddy loses the title combat, so what? He’ll nonetheless be a star, nonetheless have massive fights, he can nonetheless face these different names, and can probably nonetheless have a really profitable profession. Do the factor!
Lee: I’m proud to say I appropriately predicted Pimblett vs. Tony Ferguson and Pimblett vs. Michael Chandler, however I’m not so assured with my decide this time round.
It’s Charles Oliveira.
How will we get right here? Strategy of elimination.
Islam Makhachev? Surprisingly affordable, particularly for those who ask your self what’s extra probably: They provide Arman Tsarukyan one other likelihood to point out up (one thing Dana White has already shot down) or they proceed to journey the Pimblett wave. After Saturday, the reply is apparent, although I nonetheless assume it’s too quickly.
Dustin Poirier or Justin Gaethje? Pimblett would possibly lastly be piquing their curiosity, however I don’t know if he suits Poirier’s “legacy combat” standards and Gaethje ought to settle his enterprise with Dan Hooker first.
So Oliveira it’s. It’s a enjoyable stylistic matchup, and a real check, one which even Pimblett’s staunchest critics can’t poke holes in if he truly manages to beat the previous light-weight champion. And if Oliveira stops the Pimblett parade, a rematch with Makhachev will probably be that rather more justified.
Martin: I undoubtedly don’t hate Paddy’s suggestion about preventing Charles Oliveira subsequent however why even fiddle — simply guide him towards Ilia Topuria and let’s have some enjoyable.
As a lot as indicators are pointing in direction of Topuria getting a direct title shot now that he’s moved to 155 kilos, it’s by no means been my favourite choice. It was tremendous spectacular that he beat a pair of legends in Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway however Topuria didn’t actually filter out the division and one title protection doesn’t really warrant him getting the following crack at Islam Makhachev.
In fact, Topuria might simply as simply throw down with Oliveira or Justin Gaethje to earn his title shot, however he has historical past with Paddy and that might be a MASSIVE combat. It might most likely be the most important non-title combat because the UFC staged Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz in back-to-back battles that offered all of the pay-per-views.
Sure, you’d be eliminating considered one of them from title competition however that idea is so drained and outdated. Dustin Poirier bought “eradicated” from title competition when Gaethje lopped off his head in 2023, and fewer than a 12 months later, he bought a shot on the belt as a result of timing and alternative repay most on this sport. So guide Paddy vs. Ilia before later and let the hype start!
Meshew: I stated earlier than UFC 314 that Pimblett vs. Chandler was the Ilia Topuria derby, and I agree with Damon — it’s the most effective enterprise choice. They’ve a ready-made rivalry, each males are on the cusp of a title competition, and a loss wouldn’t be catastrophic to both. If I’m the UFC, that’s the combat I’m reserving.
But when I’m simply Jed, and reserving the combat I wish to see, issues modified on Saturday night time. I’ve by no means been a giant Pimblett believer, however the man has constantly gotten higher each day out, and on Saturday night time I believe he might have turned a nook. Pimblett has a little bit of Dricus du Plessis in him, and I believe I’m on workforce Paddy now. And as a newly instated member of the Pimblett Posse, I wish to see the Charles Oliveira combat. As a result of Paddy demolished Chandler in a method Oliveira couldn’t fairly do, and the stylistic matchup there may be immediately fairly intriguing.
4. Who’s the most important loser at UFC 314?
Heck: There are actually others ranked greater as my colleagues will point out, however Patricio Pitbull goes to be my reply.
It was surreal to see Pitbull in a UFC octagon on Saturday, however my largest fears concerning the signing — and the matchup with Rodriguez — got here to gentle instantly when the combat began. Pitbull has numerous miles on him, and whereas he can nonetheless win UFC fights, actually, he gained’t be doing so anyplace close to the title. There aren’t numerous guys within the prime 15, and chunk of athletes outdoors of it, that I’d decide Pitbull to beat proper now.
One in all Pitbull’s most essential weapons has at all times been pace, however he’s not going to have that benefit towards many of the division. Rodriguez was in warp pace in comparison with the Bellator legend, and the extent of competitors between the 2 fighters over the previous a number of years is night time and day. Hopefully, the UFC may give Pitbull a combat he has likelihood of profitable earlier than they throw him to the UFC’s Magic Land of Constructing Prospects, which they may actually be doing sooner or later.
Martin: I actually hate the phrase “loser,” however who misplaced probably the most at UFC 314? That’s simply Michael Chandler.
If there’s one factor that Chandler might dangle his hat on after beginning his UFC profession with a 2-4 document, it’s that each one of his losses got here in barnburner fights towards former champions. He went to struggle with Charles Oliveira (twice), Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier. None of these are dangerous defeats, and he was giving nearly as good as he bought in each single a kind of.
That wasn’t the case at UFC 314.
Certain, Chandler had a pair first rate moments early however then his gasoline tank seemingly ran low and Paddy Pimblett simply ran via him. The combat wasn’t notably shut and in truth, it wasn’t even all that thrilling as a result of Chandler simply bought steamrolled. Now, he’s 38 with a 2-5 document within the UFC, and he may be barely clinging onto a prime 15 rating after this loss. Dana White referred to as Chandler the UFC’s Arturo Gatti, however does anybody bear in mind how his profession ended? He went 1-3 in his closing 4 fights and even bought knocked out by the notoriously pillow-fisted Floyd Mayweather.
Lee: You’ve bought to really feel for Darren Elkins, a real MMA lifer who must be seeing the writing on the wall as clearly because the “Injury” written throughout his chest.
Losses are nothing new for Elkins, who made his thirtieth UFC look on Saturday, neither is he unfamiliar to taking extended beatings (a number of of which he got here again from to win!). However there was one thing further uncomfortable about the way in which he stumbled via his combat with Julian Erosa after getting clipped early earlier than being completed with a far-too-extended sequence of undefended strikes. It’s troublesome to think about anybody watching that and never questioning if Elkins ought to contemplate retirement a month shy of his forty first birthday.
In fact, the true loser of the competition was referee Mike Beltran, who continues to stumble and bumble his method via late stoppages at the same time as warriors like Drew Dober depend on him to guard them. Revoke Beltran’s license yesterday, sufficient of this.
Meshew: I’m going Diego Lopes, as a result of he might by no means get one other shot like that once more. Lopes grew to become the darling of the featherweight division after his respectable loss to Movsar Evloev and subsequent run up the burden class, however I had issues about him heading into this combat, they usually all confirmed up. For as harmful as he could be, Lopes doesn’t have numerous concepts, and Volk solved him fairly shortly.
Furthermore, I believe Lopes is waking up at the moment realizing he missed alternative. Twice on Saturday he had Volkanovski damage — within the second and fourth rounds — and as an alternative of going for broke, he let Volkanovski off the hook. Now, actually a few of that may be ascribed to Volk for being savvy and difficult, but additionally a few of it’s on Lopes not urgent the difficulty. At no level on Saturday did Lopes combat with the kind of urgency that befits his fashion and that might’ve given him an opportunity towards Volkanovski, and as an alternative he bought schooled for the higher a part of 25 minutes.
5. Exterior of the highest 2 fights, who was the hero of UFC 314?
Lee: Virna Jandiroba entered UFC 314 because the No. 1 contender within the strawweight division, and he or she left UFC 315 because the No. 1 contender within the strawweight division.
There was little for Jandiroba to realize from a troublesome matchup with Yan Xiaonan, however she made the many of the alternative, displaying off her elite grappling en path to a transparent choice. This wasn’t simply Jandiroba holding serve, the proficient Brazilian fighter additionally made issues simple for the UFC matchmakers as she additional satisfied followers she is usually a compelling challenger for Zhang Weili or one half of a vacant title combat ought to Zhang transfer as much as flyweight to chase a second title.
Even with its odd placement on the preliminary portion of a pay-per-view, Jandiroba’s win over Yan was well-received by the Miami crowd (regardless of many of the different grappling-heavy contests drawing boos) and that ought to give the UFC hope that she will be able to carry life to the flyweight championship image, Zhang or no Zhang.
Heck: Give me Dominick Reyes — largely as a result of his unbelievable story bought overshadowed on Saturday night time.
Reyes’ preventing profession was left for useless at UFC 281 in November 2022. Individuals have been scared to see Reyes combat anyone after getting brutally knocked out in three straight, which adopted the controversial loss to Jon Jones. The 35-year-old was turning into a Mount Rushmore “what-if” in UFC historical past, however now, he’s on a three-fight knockout streak.
Whereas it’s not the top-of-mind outing, Reyes had the most effective end of all the occasion, drilling Nikita Krylov proper within the face bone with a left hand simply as Krylov was dashing in on him. However no bonus available, sadly.
The emotion that poured over Reyes was superb to see, and which may’ve been bonus sufficient in his eyes. In my thoughts, give him Carlos Ulberg subsequent. If he wins, give him one final likelihood to win the belt, as a result of if he does obtain that aim, it may be one of many coolest issues we’ve ever seen within the sport.
Martin: Pound-for-pound, no one did extra for his or her profession over this previous week than Jean Silva.
Whereas Paddy Pimblett mauling Michael Chandler is an even bigger win, Silva rocketed himself to a brand new stage of stardom after choosing a combat with Bryce Mitchell. From mocking him as a flat Earther to the not so delicate Inglorious Basterds references main as much as the combat, Silva was enjoying chess whereas everyone else was enjoying checkers. With 4 knockout wins on his document, Silva might have simply as simply focused the next ranked opponent and brought an identical route as his teammate Carlos Prates, who’s about to headline his first occasion simply 4 fights into his UFC profession.
However as an alternative, Silva noticed a possibility awaiting him after Mitchell grew to become virtually universally despised (for at the least a day or two) after the abhorrent feedback he made about Hitler and the Holocaust in January. Silva then proceeded to fashion on Mitchell and choke him unconscious inside two rounds. Exterior of Kamaru Usman silencing Colby Covington by breaking his jaw, Silva produced presumably probably the most celebrated end in current historical past with the way in which he put Mitchell to sleep on Saturday and now solely larger and higher fights await him.
Meshew: C’mon, man! It’s Jean Silva, and it’s not shut.
Sure, “Lord” is a ton further and could be fairly corny, however other than being a rattling positive fighter, the person made UFC 314 his. He talked a complete mess of trash and put himself on the market in a method that, ought to Bryce Mitchell have beat him, he might by no means have lived it down. And as an alternative, Silva wailed on Mitchell from the opening bell after which slept him with a nasty ninja choke.
Saturday was Jean Silva’s popping out social gathering. Let’s benefit from the journey.
