Diego Lopes is a rising star MMA fighter who has a flashy style. He was from Brazil but trained in Mexico and possesses striking power along with top-level grappling skills. Lopes faces Alexander Volkanovski for the then-vacant featherweight championship at UFC 314.
Diego Lopes da Silva was born 30 December 1994 in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. He resides currently in Puebla, Mexico, where he has established his professional career as a mixed martial artist. Lopes stands at a height of 5 ft 11 in (180 cm), has a reach of 72.5 in (184 cm), and fights out of an Orthodox stance. has a reach of 72.5 in (184 cm) and fights out of an Orthodox stance.
He is a black belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner trained at Lobo Gym MMA and Brazilian Warriors Central by coach Francisco Grasso. This combination of Brazilian heritage and Mexican education has turned him into a versatile fighter.
Diego Lopes is a professional Brazilian mixed martial artist competing in the UFC featherweight division. He has been a professional since 2012 and previously competed in the Lux Fight League (LFL), where he was the featherweight champion. As of September 17, 2024, he is ranked 3rd in the UFC featherweight rankings.
His MMA record has 32 bouts, with 26 wins (10 knockouts, 12 submissions, and 4 decisions) and 6 losses (2 knockouts and 4 decisions). The record indicates how he evolved from a local champion to an international contender.
Lopes' UFC debut was at UFC 288 on 6 May 2023, against Movsar Evloev on five-day notice. He lost by unanimous decision and was awarded the Fight of the Night bonus for his toughness and agreeing to compete under pressure. He earned his first UFC victory over Gavin Tucker on 5 August 2023, by armbar submission in round one, which was rewarded with a Performance of the Night bonus.
Some of his greatest wins have been against Pat Sabatini by TKO at UFC 295 and Sodiq Yusuff by first-round TKO at UFC 300. The latter was his third consecutive finish and solidified him as a top contender. Lopes has also won against Dan Ige at UFC 303 and Brian Ortega at UFC 306 after a rescheduled bout.
Diego Lopes is notable for his dynamic striking and world-class grappling abilities. He has taken home several Performance of the Night bonuses and has proven to have a talent for early finishes, including several first-round knockouts. His ability to excel in both standing and grappling situations makes him a force to be reckoned with in the featherweight division. Lopes' short-notice fighting skillset has also earned him popularity among fans, as he consistently produces thrilling performances.
Lopes will face Alexander Volkanovski for the stripped featherweight title on April 12, 2025, at UFC 314. The match will determine the new featherweight champion after Ilia Topuria's title drop. The match will take place at the Kaseya Center in Miami, a historic moment for Lopes as he seeks his first UFC title.
This battle is highly anticipated, with Volkanovski attempting to revive his career and Lopes hoping to capitalize on his recent winning streaks and win the title.
Diego Lopes has proven to be one of the most exciting fighters in the featherweight division. His resilience and ability to capitalize on short-notice opportunities have made him a fan favorite. With a mix of striking ability and grappling expertise, Lopes continues to present himself as a legitimate threat in the UFC.
His journey from competing in lower-level promotions to title contender is a testament to his dedication and perseverance in the sport. As he enters his title fight, Lopes is poised to leave his mark on the world of MMA.
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