Former champion Alexander Volkanovski reclaimed his once-undisputed UFC featherweight title on Saturday night at UFC 314, winning a 48-47, 49-46, 49-46 unanimous decision in Miami.
The fight lived up to expectations, with both fighters remaining calm on their feet, although Lopez (26-7 MMA) nearly turned the tide by sending Volkanovski (27-4 MMA) to the canvas in the final seconds of the second round.
However, Volkanovski's powerful punches played a key role, despite him failing to score a knockout.
“It's nice to be back,” Volkanovski said after his victory.
As for Lopez, he expressed full respect for the champion, emphasizing that this is not the end of his journey.
“It was an honor to share the Octagon with Alexander Volkanovski,” Lopez said. “I will be back.”
In the co-main event, Paddy Pimblett showed off his powerful striking and relentless pace, knocking out Michael Chandler in the third round to remain undefeated in the UFC. Pimblett (23-3 MMA) is well on his way to a title shot, while Chandler (23-10 MMA) is back to square one, now riding a two-fight losing streak at lightweight.
Featherweight fighter Yair Rodriguez won a unanimous decision over debutant Patricio Pitbull, 30-27, 30-27, 30-27.
It was a thrilling fight, with Rodriguez catching Pitbull with a right hand in the third round and then unleashing a barrage of punches on the former Bellator star to secure the win. Rodriguez (21-5 MMA) is coming off a two-fight winning streak, while Pitbull (36-8 MMA) has been undefeated for nearly two years after 14 years in Bellator.
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Jean Silva won a rematch against the charismatic Bryce Mitchell in the second bout of the main card. Silva (16-2 MMA) submitted Mitchell via ninja choke at 3:52 of the second round after dominating Mitchell (17-4 MMA) throughout the first round and nearly finding a guillotine choke in the final minute of the round.
Silva improved to 5-0 in the UFC and quickly became a contender for the featherweight title, ending Mitchell's brief rise following his TKO win last December.
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Sourse: breakingnews.ie
