Volkanovski (27-4) had successfully defended his belt four times before moving up a weight class and losing to Israel Makhachev on Feb. 11, 2023. Then after reclaiming the featherweight title five months later over Yair Rodriguez, Volkanovski lost back-to-back matches. Now he has the championship back.

UFC 314 featured a new “old man” champ, a “Baddy” that passed the biggest test of his career and a contender named “Lord” who smote his opponent.