A brand new UFC featherweight champion will likely be topped when Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes step into the octagon. Their 145-pound title struggle scheduled for 5 rounds will happen Saturday, April 12 at UFC 314 from Kaseya Middle in Miami.

This struggle between Volkanovski (26-5 MMA, 13-4 UFC) and Lopes (27-6 MMA, 6-1 UFC) got here collectively after Ilia Topuria agreed to vacate the featherweight title as he prepares to maneuver as much as light-weight.

Volkanovski, 36, will enter UFC 314 seeking to turn out to be a two-time champ after shedding the title to Topuria by knockout in February 2024. Volkanovski ought to be decided to show his profession nonetheless has loads to supply after shedding three of his previous 4 bouts. His different two losses throughout that span had been failed makes an attempt at claiming the light-weight title from Islam Makhachev. Volkanovski’s most up-to-date win got here in July 2023 when he completed Yair Rodriguez by third-round TKO.

Lopes, 30, will enter UFC 314 on a five-fight profitable streak. His most up-to-date end result was a dominant unanimous determination win over Brian Ortega final September at UFC 306.

When does the UFC 314 struggle card begin?

The UFC 314 lineup consists of 13 fights. Early prelims begin at 6 p.m. ET, prelims at 8 p.m. ET, and the pay-per-view most important card at 10 p.m. ET.

Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes walkout time

• As the principle occasion, Volkanovski and Lopes are anticipated to stroll out to the cage at roughly 12:30 a.m. ET.
• The struggle will stream on ESPN+ pay-per-view.

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 314.