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Alexander Volkanovski's Opponent Facing Indefinite Suspension After UFC 314

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Apr 18, 2025 9:49 AM ET

The aftermath of UFC 314 continues to unfold, and one of the event’s most notable fighters will be out of action indefinitely.

Diego Lopes, who fought Alexander Volkanovski for five punishing rounds in the featherweight title fight, has received an indefinite medical suspension from the Florida Athletic Commission (FAC), as reported by MMA Junkie.

Volkanovski reclaimed the featherweight title in that fight via unanimous decision. Despite enduring damage of his own, including a worryingly damaged eye to the point of nearly losing vision, the Australian was handed only a 45-day suspension.

Lopes’ condition, meanwhile, prompted a much more cautious response from regulators, prompting them to remove him from UFC cards indefinitely.

The fight headlining UFC 314 was one of the most anticipated of the year, and the battle between Lopes and Volkanovski delivered five hard-fought rounds.

Though Lopes ultimately came up short on the scorecards, the performance was another step in his emergence as a rising contender at 145 pounds.

Volkanovski, meanwhile, broke a couple of curses with his triumph and got to hoist the belt once again.

Lopes, who absorbed considerable damage throughout the main event, joins four other fighters handed open-ended suspensions following April 12’s card in Miami.

The list includes Chase Hooper, Tresean Gore, Marco Tulio, and Virna Jandiroba—all issued indefinite suspensions for various injuries sustained during their fights.

These suspensions can potentially be lifted earlier if each fighter is medically cleared by a doctor, although it's too early to know how that will develop and change over time.

No official timeline has been provided for Lopes' return.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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