Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski might be returning at UFC 314, but when Michael Chandler is sharing the card, you know he will steal the spotlight. But this time, the ex-Bellator champ may have to pump the brakes on fighting to entertain. Why? We will answer that in today’s edition of MMA News Roundup.
To kick this list off, we’ll start by taking a look at a veteran’s analysis of Michael Chandler and his UFC career so far. Thereafter, we’ll shift our attention to former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, who’s got an exciting gear presented to him for UFC 314. Finally, the buck stops with former heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez and the details surrounding his current legal situation.
UFC vet claims Michael Chandler is currently in a precarious position in the UFC
For the first time in his UFC career, Michael Chandler, the self-proclaimed most entertaining lightweight on the planet, will be butting heads against a rival outside of the top 10. While his opponent, Paddy Pimblett, is, by no means, an ordinary rival, given that he’s one of the most popular fighters on the entire UFC roster, it’s a significant step down for Chandler, who’s been fighting top five lightweights ever since he made his UFC debut.
However, a win over a much younger and popular name could do good for Chandler because if he can’t, things could get worse. According to former UFC fighter Matt Brown, ‘Iron’ Mike’s in a “do-or-die” situation. With more losses than wins in his UFC record, Brown claims Chandler hasn’t had a win that he thought was notable. And a loss at UFC 314 could mean it was time to think a few things over.
“I don’t like necessarily saying you can’t lose to Paddy Pimblett. No, you can’t lose to the No. 15 guy or No. 14 guy, whatever that guy’s name is,” Matt Brown told ‘MMA Fighting’. “I don’t know how Michael Chandler is in the top 10. I love Michael Chandler, I’m not hating on him at all… if you lose to Paddy Pimblett, you better start thinking about what the next career is going to be or the next path.”
Is Michael Chandler in a “do-or-die” situation against Paddy Pimblet? @iamtheimmortal joins @DamonMartin to give his take on their fight at #UFC314. pic.twitter.com/OkaqoOAG2i
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) April 8, 2025
Do you agree with what Matt Brown had to say about Michael Chandler’s current situation? Well, before you tell us about your thoughts, let’s take a look at the next story in the roundup, which involves one half of the UFC 314 headliner, Alexander Volkanovski.
Alexander Volkanovski receives UFC 314 shorts inspired by his ethnic roots
UFC 314 is almost here, and Alexander Volkanovski is back in the title picture. After over a year on the sidelines following two back-to-back losses, ‘The Great’ would be looking to break the duck against Diego Lopes and become a 2-time featherweight champion. To make his comeback special, the UFC presented him with shorts that showcase elements of his ethnic background.
Alexander Volkanovski’s parents weren’t born in Australia. The part of his shorts that has the Macedonian flag emblem imprinted on it depicts his father’s ethnic heritage, as he was born in Beranci in Yugoslavia, SR Macedonia, which is now known as North Macedonia. Moreover, Volkanovski’s nickname is also written on his shorts in a font inspired by the culture of Greece, which is where his mother is from.
Volk explained the significance of the shorts and how it honours his family heritage:
The font to represent his mother, who is Greek
The emblem from the Macedonian flag to represent his father’s heritage
Green and Gold to represent Australia’s national colours https://t.co/XI5VjEIDQQ
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) April 8, 2025
Finally, the shorts also have gold and green on them, which showcase the national colors of Australia. It remains to be seen whether Alexander Volkanovski walks out of UFC 314 as the champion wearing those special shorts. But before we get to this weekend, here’s the final story of the roundup.
Update on Cain Velasquez’s legal woes
Cain Velasquez was finally sentenced to a few days to five years for accidentally shooting the father of a person who allegedly tried to run away after assaulting his son in 2022. Needless to say, the verdict enraged MMA communities around the world. Recent reports claim that the former UFC heavyweight champion was shifted to the Wasco State Prison, which is situated just outside Bakersfield, California.
Many people thought what Cain Velasquez did was what any father would do for their children. Even the judge, who gave the verdict, almost broke down while sentencing the 42-year-old MMA legend. But now, a ray of hope has emerged for Velasquez because the date to see his eligibility for parole has been set, according to reports by ‘MMA Fighting’.
Cain Velasquez will be eligible for parole after 11 months, or March 2026, to be exact. But the date is subject to change, and it will be affected by the former UFC champ’s conduct inside the prison and how he participates in certain prison programs. Well, it’s good news for Velasquez, but we’d like to know your thoughts in the comments below.
The post MMA News Roundup – Michael Chandler in “Do or Die” Situation at UFC 314; Alexander Volkanovski’s Greek & Macedonian Custom Shorts; Cain Velasquez Prison Update appeared first on EssentiallySports.
