UFC 314 Bonuses: Volkanovski vs. Lopes Steals the Show, Silva and Pimblett Shine

UFC 314 delivered an unforgettable night of action at the Kaseya Center in Miami, with standout performances earning fighters well-deserved bonuses. Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes took home Fight of the Night honors for their thrilling five-round battle, while Jean Silva and Paddy Pimblett each secured $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses for their spectacular finishes. Here’s a closer look at the night’s biggest winners.

Fight of the Night: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes

The main event between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes lived up to its billing, showcasing heart, skill, and drama over five intense rounds. Volkanovski reclaimed the featherweight title with a unanimous decision victory (49-46, 49-46, 48-47), but it wasn’t without adversity. Lopes dropped Volkanovski with a right hand in the second round and had him reeling in the fourth with a powerful uppercut.

Diego Lopes & Alexander Volkanovski TRADE SHOTS in Slow Motion 4K‼️😲👊🏽 #UFC314 pic.twitter.com/Xdtk0mSTsR

— MMA Homie Podcast (@theMMAhomies) April 13, 2025

Despite these scares, Volkanovski displayed championship resilience, using his jab and movement to outstrike Lopes throughout much of the fight. The back-and-forth exchanges kept fans on the edge of their seats, earning both fighters $50,000 bonuses for Fight of the Night.

Volkanovski’s win marked a historic achievement as he became the first fighter over age 35 to reclaim a UFC title in a weight class under 170 pounds. Meanwhile, Lopes proved he belongs among the elite featherweights with his gutsy performance against one of the division’s all-time greats.

Performance of the Night: Jean Silva’s Ninja Choke Submission

Jean Silva delivered one of the most impressive finishes of UFC 314 during his featherweight clash against Bryce Mitchell. After denying Mitchell’s takedown attempts and overwhelming him with strikes in the second round, Silva locked in a ninja choke that forced Mitchell to tap at 3:52.

🗣️🥶 Jean Silva barking at Bryce Mitchell after choking him out. pic.twitter.com/RoJxG8DbCg

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) April 13, 2025

The submission not only earned Silva his $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus but also solidified his status as a rising contender in the featherweight division. Silva’s ability to neutralize Mitchell’s grappling and secure such a slick finish showcased his well-rounded skill set and potential to climb higher in rankings.

Performance of the Night: Paddy Pimblett’s TKO Masterclass

Paddy Pimblett stole headlines in the co-main event with a career-defining victory over veteran Michael Chandler. Pimblett controlled much of the fight before landing a flying knee that opened a brutal cut above Chandler’s eye in Round 3. He followed up with relentless ground-and-pound to secure a TKO win at 3:07.

All those questions people had about Paddy Pimblett are silenced now.

This man is a top five lightweight fighter.
pic.twitter.com/BTwfubV1zr

— Grant (@grantsglimpse) April 13, 2025

The Liverpool native silenced critics questioning his ability to perform against top-tier competition and earned his fifth Performance of the Night bonus in just seven UFC fights. Now ranked among the lightweight division’s top contenders, Pimblett is eyeing matchups against big names like Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje.

UFC 314 was an electric night that showcased elite talent across divisions while delivering memorable moments for fans. With Volkanovski back on top as featherweight champion, Jean Silva rising through the ranks, and Paddy Pimblett solidifying his star power, this event will be remembered as one of 2025’s finest cards.