UFC 314 Preview
Volkanovski vs. Lopes - They will make the walk to the octagon Saturday night to crown the vacant Undisputed Featherweight Champion of the world. Volk is currently on a three-fight losing streak against arguably the two best current fighters on the planet, Ilia and Islam. If Lightweight fighters didn't pull out and keep getting hurt, Volk wouldn’t have three straight losses, in my opinion. Lopes also seems to be looking forward to fighting Yair more than Volk.
Chandler vs. Pimblett - I am curious to see how this goes. Almost every fighter has their best showing after having their first child, and Paddy had twins. At the same time, Chandler just had his first daughter, so we are going to see a firefight that I don't see going the distance. I also think people are overrating Paddy's BJJ. Chandler just fought Charles, who is the hardest opponent anyone will ever face, and he didn't get submitted after two rounds of back control.
Rodriguez vs. Pitbull - Pitbull finally makes his walk in the UFC after over a decade of dominance in other promotions, specifically Bellator. He's fighting Yair, who is coming off back-to-back losses against Ortega and Volk, who beat him in a unification bout and is fighting for the title in the main event.
Silva vs. Mitchell - These two do not like each other at all; you should be able to tell at the press conference. They have been going back and forth on Twitter throughout the whole build-up to this fight. I hope that Mitchell doesn't try to stand with Silva because he might be done for good if he gets caught with another overhand right. Silva missed weight, so I think Mitchell will win this fight if he gets out of the first round.
Reyes vs. Krylov - Two guys who throw bombs and have been finished a lot. Reyes has been making a great comeback in his career after losing a few in a row. Krylov is coming off three wins in a row, with two of them being finishes. I don't see how this one will make it to the final bell, especially in Miami with a rowdy crowd.
Ige vs. Woodson - Ige is going to walk him down while Woodson is a sniper who, more than likely, will not be looking to shoot on someone who is a better grappler than he is. So we should get nothing but striking for however long this fight lasts, which are some of the better fights to watch, especially with Ige being someone who will press the issue against anyone.
Jandiroba vs. Yan - One of the few female fights that they can make, and you know you will get nonstop action. I’m honestly surprised that this fight didn’t make the PPV portion of the card, but this is a great fight nonetheless.
Hooper vs. Miller - New dad Chase Hooper takes on seasoned veteran Jim Miller, who is making his 44th—let me say this again—44th walk to the octagon. A Hall of Famer is always must-watch and Chase Hooper is a lanky finisher who is always fun to watch
Elkins vs. Erosa - Elkins is kind of like Miller; he has been around since March of 2010 and is one of those guys who will fight anyone, anytime—the last of a dying breed. He is 40 now and is fighting a pure finisher on the other side who has 25 finishes in his career. I would be surprised to see this one reach the final bell.
Dumans vs. Oleksiejczuk - The last fight of the early prelims features two long, lanky middleweights who have finishing abilities, both standing and on the ground. Dumas has been finished, but it was a little premature. I think Dumas is the most underrated fighter in the division.
Sumudaerji vs. Raposo - Two of the relatively unknown fighters on the card. I'm honestly surprised this isn't the fight that opens the card. Raposo was a world-beater on the regional scene, but he lost to a very good Andre Lima, who got a split decision win over him. I expect him to bounce back in a big way for this one.
Gore vs. Tulio - Gore has been around since he was in the TUF house, advanced to the final, and then suffered an injury. He has looked great his last few times out, and since he came to the UFC, he has had a goal of being a double champion. He has all the tools; we will see if he's able to get past the Brazilian Tulio.
Comolle vs. Cowan - Cowan looks like a solid fighter with a great resume, having fought good opponents in solid organizations. Comolle is a finisher, which is rare to see at this weight class, with seven finishes in her eight wins. The person she lost to last time in the Octagon is the same fighter who defeated her in her debut back in 2021, so I think she just has her number. If this makes it to the final bell, it would not surprise me to see Cowan win.
