Old Guard vs. New Age

images via stubhub.com & bloodyelbow.com

On April 12th, 2025, in Miami, Florida, a classic clash between battle-tested veterans and surging prospects will take place. So, let’s not waste any time and get into the fights at UFC 314.

Nikita Krylov vs. Dominick Reyes

The first fight on the main card will be between light heavyweight contenders Dominick Reyes and Nikita Krylov. This matchup will determine which contender will rise to title contention and who will fall into the depths of the light heavyweight journeyman. In one corner, you have Krylov, a fighter who returns to the Octagon after nearly two years off due to injury. Many fans may have forgotten the skills that the Russian brings to the octagon, but let us remind you that before his injury, he racked up three consecutive wins against Alexander Gustaffson, Volkan Ozdemir, and Ryan Spann. Before his injury, Krylov looked like a top title contender, and he needs an impressive performance to reinsert himself back into the ranks. A fighter familiar with pressure-filled situations stands on the other side of the cage. Dominick Reyes is riding a two-fight winning streak after a recent slump that caused many fans to question whether he should continue in the sport. Reyes is coming off of impressive back-to-back finishes and has many people thinking he can challenge for a title in the future. Stylistically, we know that Reyes's main weakness is his chin, and Krylov possesses power in his hands that could shut his opponent's lights off. Reyes will need to keep his distance, mitigate his opponent's wrestling, and use his patented straight left hand if he is looking to emerge victorious. Whoever wins this fight will surely contend for the title shortly, and this contest is pivotal for both fighters in their pursuit of championship status.

Bryce Mitchell vs. Jean Silva

Moving on to the next bout in the lightweight division, surgingcContender Jean Silva goes up against Bryce Mitchell. Bryce Mitchell has undoubtedly made a name for himself outside of the octagon with his recent controversial comments on his podcast. Mitchell has gone from a fan favorite to one of, if not the most hated fighter in the company, and he will need an impressive performance not only to reinsert himself into the title picture but also to remind fans of why they loved him in the first place. However, standing across from him is a ferocious contender who has walked through every single opponent he has faced. Jean Silva possesses freak power in his hands, and he will be looking to put Mitchell against the fence and finish him with brutal punches. Mitchell will need to implement his signature elite grappling if he wants to win this contest, and he will need to minimize the time he is standing on his feet with Silva. Silva is the sizeable favorite for this fight and is one of the members of the new elite gym, Fighting Nerds, who are taking over the UFC fight by fight. This contest will establish that Bryce Mitchell is still a top contender in the division or that Jean Silva is coming for it all.

Yair Rodriguez vs. Patricio Pitbull

In the featured bout of the evening, we have two top featherweight contenders, Yair  Rodriguez and Patricio Pitbull. All fans know what Rodriguez brings: elite kickboxing skills and masterful unorthodox techniques that overwhelm his opponents. Rodriguez must use his significant height and reach advantage to keep his opponent away and hit him with blows from a distance. His unique skill set of unorthodox kicks will be crucial to winning this fight. On the other side of the cage, we have one of, if not the greatest, fighter to come out of the Bellator promotion. This is Pitbull's first contest in the UFC, and the company has done him no favors with his opponent. Pitbull, a stalkier fighter, specializes at close range, getting his opponents against the fence and finishing them with his devastating knockout power. Pitbull also possesses fantastic grappling, and don't be surprised if he uses those skills to overwhelm Rodriguez, who is known for his shortcomings in that department. Whoever wins this fight will be knocking on the door for a shot at the title, and it is of utmost importance that both these Fighters put on a stellar performance and send a message to the rest of the division.

Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett

In the co-main event, we have a lightweight bout between veteran Michael Chandler and up-and-coming prospect Paddy Pimbett.  Chandler is a man who needs no introduction; we know what he brings to the table. with countless fight-of-the-night bonuses, the American always comes to steal the show, win or lose. Despite those fantastic achievements, this truly is Chandler's last chance at keeping whatever title chances he has a reality. Chandler has recently lost to Dustin Poirier and Charles Olivera, and many fans are skeptical about whether he is championship material. On the other hand, we have a surging prospect in Patty Pimblett. The Liverpool native has an entire country behind him and has gathered millions of fans worldwide to rally behind him and support him in his championship pursuit. Pimblett’s greatest attribute is his elite jiu-jitsu. It is of utmost importance that he gets this fight to the ground where he is a master, and standing in front of a lethal fighter like Michael Chandler, who possesses ridiculous power in his hands, is a recipe for disaster. Despite making great leaps in his striking throughout his career, Pimblett has always had the primary weakness of leaving his chin in the air when he exchanges with his opponent. Against a fighter of Chandler's caliber, this will surely get him knocked out, so he will need to adjust those weaknesses and use his strengths to overwhelm his opponent. If Pimblett is to win this contest, he will only further develop his worldwide stardom and will be knocking on the door of a title opportunity. For Chandler, we know he will bring an exciting performance; the question is whether a victory will come along with that.

Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes

In the main event, we have a featherweight title on the line between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes. For Volkanovski, he wants to remind fans why he is renowned as the greatest featherweight of all time. Despite his recent two knockout losses, he is still a pound-for-pound elite fighter in the company and is looking to establish himself as a two-time featherweight champion. We know what he brings to the table, mixing it up better than anyone in the company with high-caliber striking and solid wrestling. For Volkanovski, his championship experience will be what carries him to victory in this contest; having been in countless five-round wars, he knows what it's like to go the distance in a championship contest, and he will need to implement his spectacular cardio if he wants to emerge victorious. Many fans are skeptical of his chin and wonder if he is the same Volkanovski we've known and loved and if he can still take a punch from the best of the best. His chin will undoubtedly be tested by his opponent, Diego Lopes. In less than 2 years, Lopes has gone from an unknown fighter to a surefire championship contender. Lopes brings otherworldly jujitsu to the cage along with an erratic striking style. When Lopes fights, he throws caution to the wind, putting 100% into every strike he throws. However, against a fighter of the caliber of Volkanovski,  his chaotic fighting style could get him into trouble. For Lopes, he should search for the finish early as his limited Championship experience may come into play in the later rounds. For the Australian, if he can weather the early storm that the Challenger brings and bring the contest into the deep waters, it will put him in the best position to regain the belt that he so desperately wants back. Volkanovski must also be aware of the grounds for submissions being thrown up, as Lopes's bread and butter is his submission offense. There are a lot of threats on both sides, and this contest is likely not to be decided by the judges, but as fans, we are truly in for a treat.

At UFC 314, it is truly the new age versus the old guard. Will the veterans remind everyone that they are still here and run the sport, or will the young, hungry prospects cause a passing of the torch? All questions will be answered on Saturday night at UFC 314.