UFC 314 will take place on April 12 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The event is considered as a pivotal event for the featherweight division. The whole card contains five bouts from this division with a remarkable concentration on 145 lbs division. Currently it’s seen that Alexander Volkanovski is attempting to regain his title but this pay-per-view has the potential to turn the players’ ranking, reshape title contention and further storylines. Along with Volkanovski, the other players to watch are Diego Lopes, Yair Rodriguez, Bryce Mitchell, and newcomers like Jean Silva and Particio Pitbull.
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All 5 Featherweight matches of UFC 314
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes
Alexander Volkanovski (26-4-0) will compete against Diego Lopes (26-6-0) for the vacant Featherweight Championship. The situation is completely different for both the players. Volkanovski, former champion, lost 3 out of his last 4 matches whereas Lopes managed to win all. One more loss of “Alexander The Great” can completely edge him from the featherweight division. Whereas, Lopes is fans favourite for this match and known for his fearless striking.
Currently, Volkanovski is #1 contender and a win ensures and solidifies his status in the division but a loss can lead to his rank demotion. If Lopes manages to pull the match, it would be one of the biggest featherweight upsets and will set the tone for the division against other potential top five fighters.
Yair Rodriguez vs. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire
This dream matchup pits the unorthodox striking of Rodriguez against the grit and legacy of Pitbull, who’s making his UFC debut after dominating Bellator. Rodriguez is currently #5 in this division but his last few setbacks have troubled his position in the division. He lost 3 out of the last 5 matches including a title loss. Rodriguez needs a win to strengthen his position otherwise Freire will prove his position among the UFC elite. Pitbull’s win will strengthen his position and be a threat to top tier players.
A win for Rodriguez can ensure his position in top 5 contenders and a win for Pitbull can portray himself as a threat to top tier players.
Bryce Mitchell vs. Jean Silva
Both Mitchell and Silva are in double digit ranking in UFC FeatherWeight division. Mitchell is known for his grappling technique whereas Silva for his explosive striking. Both players have won their respective last matches and a win in this match will improve their ranking. A win for Mitchell can convert his ranking to a single digit whereas a win in favor of Silva shakes up the bottom half of the rankings.
Dan Ige vs. Sean Woodson
Ige with 18-9-0 is currently #15 but still trying to stay afloat in a stacked division. Whereas, his opponent who is not even in #15 has a far better UFC career with just a single loss and a draw. A loss for Ige will bump his ranking and could introduce Woodson in the top #15 contenders. The betting favorite is Woodson as he has a good momentum whereas Ige has to showcase his experience to cement his position in #15.
Darren Elkins vs. Julian Erosa
Darren Elkins and Julian Erosa are veteran fighters, having a long UFC career. The fight may not benefit them in their rank push but to maintain their position in the featherweight division. A loss will almost end one of UFC careers and a win will afloat someone’s career. Limited rankings implications, but an exciting bout that could determine who stays in the UFC spotlight.
Ripple Effects Across the Division
UFC 314 has the potential to flip the table as the match card has single digit as well as double digit ranked fighters. Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes and Yair Rodriguez vs. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire are the key matches that can define the next contender for the title match. The Featherweight Title match will have major implications on the future of the division.
“Experts believe that the Volkanovski vs. Lopes fight is one of the most exciting featherweight title fights in years.”
We can witness a ranking boost in all Featherweight matches but the most can be in Dan Ige vs. Sean Woodson match. A win will not only solidify their position but also improve their position. As with an improved ranking they can be a big threat to top-elite players.
Possible match or new story can be seen in top 5 fighters for the next title shot. Volkanovski vs. Pitbull, Rodriguez vs. Lopes might happen. In addition, Silva vs. Woodson could become reality depending on results.
Silva and Woodson have the potential star quality that can shake the featherweight table and will gain the most from the match if they manage to win their matches.
The Elkins vs. Erosa fight and loss of Ige in Dan Ige vs. Sean Woodson might end their UFC career and close all doors for the big fights.
Scenario Breakdown
“Analysts are saying that Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire’s UFC debut is one of the most anticipated in recent memory, and a win would instantly make him a top contender.”
Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez win will strengthen their #1 and #5 positions respectively. A win for Mitchell and Ige can convert their double digit ranking to a single digit.
With all that said, Movsar Evloev and Aljamain Sterling will be waiting for their next potential opponents after the event. At last it is sure that we will witness something completely different the Monday after UFC 314.
Conclusion
314 is not only a normal pay-per-view for featherweight fighters but an opportunity to shield and upgrade their ranking in this division. After UFC 314, The higher ranked players will get a potential opportunity to climb up the table and challenge the title holder. Whereas 5 fighters who manage to win their respective bouts can solidify their position in the division.
Reddaveni Saisneha 
Ashvinkumar Patil