UFC 314 is set to take Miami, Florida by storm this weekend, with one of the UFC’s strongest pay-per-view cards in some time in store for fight fans. In the main event, Alexander Volkanovski will attempt to become Featherweight champion again as he fights rising contender Diego Lopes for the vacant title. In the co-main, Michael Chandler faces off against Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett in a clash sure to provide plenty of action. While also on the main card Yair Rodriguez faces former Bellator champ Patricio Pitbull and Bryce Mitchell meets Bruno Silva in a true bad blood matchup. We take a look at my best bets on the card below.
UFC 314 Preview & Betting Tips
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes
There will be a new UFC Featherweight champion after this weekend with Volkanovski and Lopes doing battle for the title vacated by Ilia Topuria. ‘El Matador’ knocked out the Aussie last year to claim the undisputed title and instead of defending his crown again has opted to move up a weight class to tackle Max Holloway, with his sights set on winning the belt at 155 pounds after stating he was too sapped from the weight cut to make 145 pounds.
So who will be the new Featherweight King? The main question that it boils down to is whether Volkanovski is past it. He is 36 and comes into this bout after being knocked out in his last two. The veteran also faces a hard hitter here in Lopes who will test that chin again. But I personally believe Volkanovski is levels above him on the feet and Lopes doesn’t have the grappling to outwrestle Volkanovski, who held his own against Islam Makhachev.
The only fear I have with the Aussie going into this fight is if he can still take a clean shot. But his time off after his last loss, mixed with the fact he is technically far superior to Lopes who is more of a brawler, has me willing to take the chance on him again. The Brazilian’s path to victory is to make this ugly by rushing into the pocket to trade with Volkanovski, but I believe the 36-year-old is far too smart to let that game plan work. Back Volkanovski with confidence.
Alexander Volkanovski to Win
$1.82 4 (Units)
Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett
Since entering the Octagon I have been keen to cash in on Pimblett as he is a strong submission grappler who doesn’t quit on himself. However, his head movement - or lack thereof - and his chin almost never being tucked have him primed to be knocked out. The Englishman has previously declared “I’m a scouser, we don’t get knocked out,” but I believe he will this weekend. His opponent, Chandler, has gone so close to UFC gold but has just fallen short. And while I personally believe he is now past his prime, he still packs one hell of a punch and should land at will on Pimblett’s jaw.
I will bite the hand off any bookie offering more than $4 for the American to knock out Pimblett and with odds around $4.50 on offer, it is a no-brainer. If Pimblett wins it will likely be catching Chandler in a submission in my opinion, so a sprinkle on that to cover the Chandler bet I advise as well.
Also Backing: Paddy Pimblett by submission $3.90 (1.5 Units)
Michael Chandler by KO/TKO
$4.50 (3 Units)
Virna Jandiroba vs. Xiaonan Yan
It is crazy to me that Yan is the underdog. While on paper Jandiroba is on a four-fight win streak and is a menace in the grappling realm, her standup is very basic and is always there to be hit. While Yan is weak in the grappling department the reality is she has been dominated in that realm against some of the best in women’s MMA.
While granted Jandiroba could take her down and submit her, I believe more likely than not Yan picks her to pieces on the feet for three rounds.
Xiaonan Yan to Win
$2.20 (2 Units)
