Dana White announces fight for UFC 314 & UFC 315

UFC CEO Dana White has announced upcoming events, revealing the main events for UFC 314 and UFC 315. Both the cards feature blockbuster fights, including a new featherweight title bout and a welterweight championship showdown.

UFC 314: Volkanovski vs. Lopes for Featherweight Gold in Miami

Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes are all set to fight for the undisputed title at UFC 314 in Miami.

Volkanovski, the former champion, has returned to action after 14 months away following his knockout loss to Topuria at UFC 298. The 36-year-old, widely considered one of the greatest featherweights of all time, aims to reclaim the belt. However, Lopes, one of the division’s potential prospects, has won five fights in 13 months, including a victory over Brian Ortega at UFC 306.

White explained that Topuria felt he had done all he could in the featherweight division and moved up to 155 pounds. However, Topuria will remain the champion until the first punch thrown in the Volkanovski vs. Lopes fight.

Pimblett vs. Chandler Set for Co-Main Event

Also on the UFC 314 card, Liverpool’s Paddy Pimblett will take on former lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler in a five-round co-main event. Pimblett, who turned 30 in January, is undefeated in the UFC with a 6-0 record. He is coming off a first-round submission win over King Green at UFC 304.

Chandler, known for his explosive fighting style, has had an up-and-down UFC career, going 2-4 in six fights but earning five Performance Bonuses. With both fighters aiming for a title shot, this lightweight clash could have implications.

Yair Rodriguez Welcomes Patricio Pitbull to the UFC

Another exciting matchup on the UFC 314 card sees former interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez take on Bellator legend Patricio Pitbull in his UFC debut.

Rodriguez is looking to bounce back after losses to Volkanovski and Brian Ortega, while Pitbull, one of the most decorated fighters outside the UFC, is determined to make an instant impact in the division.

UFC 315: Muhammad to Defend Welterweight Title in Montreal

One month later, UFC 315 heads to Montreal, Canada, with a championship doubleheader. The main event will see Belal Muhammad defend his UFC Welterweight Championship against Jack Della Maddalena.

Della Maddalena was scheduled to fight former champion Leon Edwards in London on March 22, but he has now given a title shot instead. The Australian fighter has won all seven UFC fights, including a knockout win over Gilbert Burns at UFC 299.

Muhammad, meanwhile, has been unbeaten since April 2019 and won the belt after defeating Edwards at UFC 304. With both men at the peak of their careers, this welterweight showdown is set to be a thriller.

Shevchenko vs. Fiorot for Flyweight Gold

In the co-main event, Valentina Shevchenko will defend her Flyweight Championship against France’s Manon Fiorot.

During the trilogy fight against Alexa Grasso at UFC 360 Shevchenko regained her belt and is now called the greatest women’s flyweight fighter of all time. Fiorot, however, is undefeated in the UFC and has been seen as a top contender for years. With a 7-0 record inside the Octagon, including wins over former champions, she now gets her long-awaited title shot.

Leon Edwards will square off Sean Brady in UFC London Main Event

Della Maddalena is moving into the title picture, and Leon Edwards will now face Sean Brady in the UFC London main event on March 22.

Brady, a rising contender, earned his first five-round win in a decision over Gilbert Burns in September 2024. Now, he gets a chance to prove himself against a former champion. Edward was defeated by Muhammad, ending his nine-year unbeaten streak; however, he is now back to win the title.

More fights are scheduled for the coming months, and UFC is still finalizing the upcoming matchups. Fans can expect further updates on Ilia Topuria’s move to lightweight and other matchups shortly.