Introduction

The UFC has recently announced major fights for UFC 314 in April and UFC 315 in May. These events are not just about the bouts themselves but also about how they will shape the future of several weight classes in the UFC. From featherweight to welterweight, the outcomes of these fights could have lasting impacts.

Title Fights Impacting Weight Classes

UFC 314 will feature Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes for the featherweight title. This fight is crucial as it sets the stage for the vacated champion and opens opportunities for rising stars like Ilia Topuria. Meanwhile, UFC 315 will see Belal Muhammad defend his welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena.

Featherweight Division

With Volkanovski moving up, Ilia Topuria’s potential move to lightweight could lead to an epic showdown with Islam Makhachev later this year. While Makhachev has expressed skepticism about Topuria’s readiness, the UFC’s interest in high-profile fights may push this matchup forward.

Lightweight Division

If Paddy Pimblett defeats Michael Chandler at UFC 314, he could quickly rise to prominence, much like Chandler did upon his arrival in the UFC. Pimblett’s charisma and fighting style make him a fan favorite, and a win could position him as a top contender.

Women’s Flyweight Division

At UFC 315, Valentina Shevchenko will face Manon Fiorot. A win for Shevchenko could set up a champion vs. champion fight with Zhang Weili, adding more excitement to the flyweight division.

Betting Insights

Betting expert Ian Parker offers his take on the key fights:

• Volkanovski vs. Lopes: Despite Volkanovski’s experience, Parker leans towards Lopes due to his recent surge and physical advantages.
• Pimblett vs. Chandler: Parker predicts an action-packed fight with a potential finish, favoring Pimblett if he can survive Chandler’s early onslaught.
• Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena: Parker sees Muhammad’s wrestling and cardio as key advantages, predicting a decision win for Muhammad.

Conclusion

The UFC 314 and UFC 315 events are poised to deliver significant shifts across multiple weight classes. From potential super fights to new title contenders, these events will be pivotal in shaping the landscape of the UFC in the coming months.