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UFC 314 winner makes case for Alexander Volkanovski title fight after viral finish

Should this fighter challenge Volkanovski next?
Drew Beaupre|
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

One of the biggest winners from last weekend’s UFC 314 card believes he’s done enough to earn a title shot after just five Octagon appearances.

Taking place at the Kaseya Center in Miami, FL on Saturday, UFC 314 featured some entertaining fights and big finishes on the prelims before a PPV main card that saw three out of five matchups end inside the distance.

The night closed out with a fight for the vacant featherweight title between Diego Lopes and Alexander Volkanovski, who earned a hard-fought unanimous decision to reclaim the belt after he was knocked out by Ilia Topuria in his last outing at UFC 298.

READ MORE: MMA fighter stares down opponent after stunning head kick KO on same night as UFC 314

Alexander Volkanovski (red gloves) reacts after defeating Diego Lopes (not pictured) during UFC 314 at Kaseya Center.
Alexander Volkanovski (red gloves) reacts after defeating Diego Lopes (not pictured) during UFC 314 at Kaseya Center. | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

"If I Don't Deserve A Title Shot, I Don't Know Who Does"

Many fans were thrilled to see arguably the greatest featherweight in UFC history break a “curse” that had plagued aging fighters in the promotion’s lower weight classes, but arguably the most impressive featherweight performance at UFC 314 came from Jean Silva when he submitted Bryce Mitchell earlier on the main card.

Jean Silva (blue gloves) reacts during his fight against Bryce Mitchell (red gloves) during UFC 314 at Kaseya Center.
Jean Silva (blue gloves) reacts during his fight against Bryce Mitchell (red gloves) during UFC 314 at Kaseya Center. | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The matchup had a considerable amount of hype around it leading up to UFC 314 thanks to Mitchell’s controversial comments outside of the cage as well as plenty of pre-fight trash talk between the two men, and after his impressive win Silva took to social media to make his case for a crack at Volkanovski.

READ MORE: UFC CEO Dana White provides update on TV rights deal & future of PPV events

Silva Compares UFC Record To Movsar Evloev

Volkanovski already defeated many of the featherweight division’s top names during his previous rise to the title and reign with the belt, but one name he hasn’t faced in the current Top 5 is the undefeated Movsar Evloev.

Movsar Evloev (red gloves) fights Aljamain Streling (blue gloves) at T-Mobile Arena.
Movsar Evloev (red gloves) fights Aljamain Streling (blue gloves) at T-Mobile Arena. | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Evloev is currently the division’s #4-ranked contender after earning a decision over former Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling, and after his initial post Silva was also quick to compare the undefeated contender's UFC record to his own.

READ MORE: UFC 314 star Paddy Pimblett praised by Dana White after Michael Chandler fight

A rematch with former Interim Featherweight Champion Yair Rodriguez is also an option for Volkanovski after “El Pantera” defeated Bellator star Patricio Pitbull at UFC 314, but if “The Great” wants to face a new challenge it will be interesting to see if Silva gets his wish or if Evloev will finally get a long-awaited title shot.

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Drew Beaupre
DREW BEAUPRE

Drew is an MMA writer that regularly watches regional events in addition to major promotions such as the UFC, PFL, Bellator, and ONE Championship. He joined MMA Knockout when it was founded in 2023.

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