Alexander Volkanovski reacts to his win over Chan Sung Jung, aka The Korean Zombie, in the fourth round Saturday, April 9, 2022 during UFC 273 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] Jki 041022 Ufc273 20

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Ex-Champion Gives Alexander Volkanovski Major Lead Over Diego Lopes

The former bantamweight champion has a knack for analysis and is giving his take on the fight.

The upcoming UFC 314 featherweight title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes has set the combat sports world ablaze with anticipation and analysis. These two are set to fight for the vacant featherweight title. This came after Ilia Topuria vacated the belt and moved to 155 lbs.

Aljamain Sterling, known for his candid and often provocative statements, isn’t holding back in his assessment of this high-stakes matchup. The former bantamweight champion has a knack for analysis and is giving his take on the fight.

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Aljamain Sterling Gives His Take On UFC 314 main event

Sterling broke down the matchup with precision. He highlighted Volkanovski’s comprehensive skill set. The ex-champion believes the Aussie fighter’s well-rounded approach gives him a massive advantage. He further pointed out that Lopes is essentially an “all-or-nothing” fighter, particularly dangerous in the first round but potentially vulnerable as the fight progresses.

“I think Volkanovski is going to put the beats on Lopes…Volk is super well rounded. He’s strong in every single department. Diego Lopes is a very good grappler in terms of submission threats, but when it comes to striking, he is an all-or-nothing guy in the first round. The best fight he’s had so far to date where he’s looked technically composed and most technically sharp is the fight with Brian Ortega,” said Sterling via his YouTube channel.

The technical analysis goes deeper than simple predictions. Sterling dissects Lopes’ previous performances, noting his tendency to blitz opponents and rely on early knockout potential. However, he argued that this approach might be precisely what works against Alexander Volkanovski. The former champion suggests that Lopes’ best chance is an early finish, warning that prolonging the fight plays directly into Volkanovski’s strengths.

Furthermore, Sterling acknowledged Lopes’ submission skills but emphasized Volkanovski’s technical superiority across multiple domains. The fight becomes more than just a physical contest; it’s a chess match where experience, adaptability, and strategic thinking become paramount.

What Is At Stake At UFC 314?

Alexander Volkanovski’s journey to this moment is nothing short of remarkable. After losing his championship in a razor-thin decision, the Australian fighter is hungry for redemption. He was working towards a rematch with Ilia Topuria. However, fate had other plans.

Diego Lopes (26-6) is the new blood in the sport. He represents a fascinating challenge for the veteran fighter. The Brazilian is a dynamic fighter with a charming hairstyle, explosive potential but also significant vulnerabilities.

MMA fans will undoubtedly be watching this fight with intense interest. Alexander Volkanovski enters as a significant favorite, backed by expert analysis and a track record of performance. Yet, in combat sports, anything can happen. Diego Lopes could land that perfect strike, could find that submission, could upset all expectations. That is the beauty of mixed martial arts!

(Image Credit: Corey Perrine/Florid – Imagn Images)

Alexander Volkanovksi

Aljamain Sterling

Diego Lopes

UFC 314

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!