UFC 314 is coming up this weekend with former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski set to face a fresh opponent, Diego Lopes. The bout will be a battle of wits and skills inside the octagon. Both will be looking to use whatever physical edge they may have to beat their opponent. So we’ll take a look at how height, reach, and walk-around weight might give one fighter an edge over the other.

Alexander Volkanovski returns to bounce back after a major dip in his career. ‘The Great’ is currently on a two-fight losing streak after his dominant featherweight reign was ended by Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. In the headliner of UFC 314, he’ll need to overcome another tough hurdle, Diego Lopes, who is rated among the best strikers in the division. It’ll be thrilling to see if the former champ can reclaim the belt — or if the Brazilian will be crowned the new champion.

Volkanovski vs. Lopes height and reach comparison

Alexander Volkanovski stands at 5 feet 6 inches with a 71-inch reach, while Diego Lopes measures 5 feet 11 inches with a 72-inch reach. The 5-inch height difference is certainly eye-catching. And Lopes might hold a slight edge with an extra inch of reach over the former champion.

Still, the height advantage may not necessarily work in Lopes’ favor. He’s only a few inches taller with a minimal reach difference. Volkanovski has already proven that size isn’t everything, as he defeated Max Holloway three times, who shares a similar height and reach to Lopes. Another good example can be his dominant win against Yair Rodriguez, whom he finished in under three rounds. Clearly, being taller doesn’t guarantee success inside the Octagon.

Lopes truly excels with his great counter-attacking ability. He always manages to find openings to strike his opponent’s chin and that shows the Brazilian’s range in close fighting. So, his greatest weapon is not the reach and height difference, it’s his accuracy and power.

Who weighs more, Alexander Volkanovski or Diego Lopes?

Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes, both must weigh in at the featherweight limit of 145 pounds for the UFC 314 main event. However, Volkanovski’s walk around weight is reportedly 180 pounds and from there he cuts to 145 pounds. In the case of Diego Lopes, the Brazilian walks around at 155–165 pounds and proceeds to make the featherweight limit. Based on this comparison, Alexander Volkanovski definitely weighs more in walking weight. 

Fun fact, former featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski was a heavyweight rugby player. He participated in a semi-professional rugby team named Warilla-Gorillas in Australia and weighed around 214 pounds. He also started his career as an amateur middleweight, and then professionally turned welterweight, before fighting as a featherweight in the UFC. Volkanovski’s body transformation is one of the most impressive in MMA history, just like his featherweight run.

Now based on the comparisons, who do you think gets the victory at UFC 314 main event? Comment below!