Diego Lopes has become a fan favourite over the last year. After less than a year since his UFC debut, he has become a dark horse in the featherweight division. Speaking about his rise in the division Lopes looks back at the past year and how it will help him develop in the future.
Diego Lopes Reflects on His Rise to Fame
Diego Lopes made his UFC debut on short notice in May 2023. This was after Bryce Mitchell picked up an injury which made him withdraw from his fight against Movsar Evloev. Lopes was almost able to take the unbeaten record from Movsar Evloev, however, came up short losing due to a decision. While he lost on the night he gave Evloev his toughest test so far. The fight claimed Fight of the night giving Lopes an extra $50,000.
Since his defeat to Evloev, Lopes has been able to go on a run of first-round stoppages being able to finish his last 3 fights in the first round. On this run, Lopes was able to submit Gavin Tucker back in August 2023 before knocking out Pat Sabatini in November 2023. These stoppages both came in the first round and he was rewarded with Performance of the Night bonuses. Diego Lopes was then able to compete at UFC 300 due to becoming a fan favourite over the past year. Lopes was able to become the first fighter to stop Yusuff in the first round. Speaking in Spanish to MMA Junkie Lopes spoke about his rise when he said;
“It’s exceeded my expectations,”
“I knew that I could do it, but I didn’t think it would happen so quick, like it’s turned out.
“I do think one thing is certain: Every opportunity they’ve given me, it’s an opportunity to take a step forward, and I’ve done that in every single fight. Since the fight with Movsar, I’ve given it my all so people can know who I am. … I think the UFC gives you the tools to build yourself, and it’s up to you how you make your own path.
“I’ve done things well, and I’ve made the most of all opportunities. I think something that’s been key is that I’ve left every fight unscathed, and that’s helped me to be active.”
Rewarded With a Rankings Place
This stoppage over Yusuff got Lopes a place in the rankings. Diego Lopes has entered the rankings at number 14. This was a big moment for Lopes and you could see how proud he was when he said;
“A movie went through my head,” Lopes said when he found out he entered the UFC rankings. “It’s incredible, everything that’s happened and how it’s happened. I expected to enter the rankings after the fight in New York, but it didn’t happen. But now I have my name among the best 15 in the world, so for me, it’s very gratifying.
“I think this speaks to the work that we’ve put in, how we’ve won the fights, and I think it was inevitable that I was going to enter the rankings after this one.”
Diego Lopes Wants a Big Fight
Diego Lopes has been angling for big fights, especially the rematch against Evloev. While he is proud of being among the best in the rankings. He isn’t just happy because it speaks volumes of where he is in the company. However, it will help him in trying to get a fight against stronger competition. When talking about this Lopes stated;
“I’ve been looking for these type of challenges,”
“I’ve told you in the past that I want tough fights. That’s what I like. Now I’m in a position that whoever I fight against, it will be a very tough fight – and that motivates me a lot, and it motivates me to prepare even better and take care of my body and my mental health – everything.
“Sodiq forced me to work like never before because he’s one of the toughest fights in the division. Everyone knows that. So beating him the way I did, I think that lets all the contenders know that I’m a tough fight for them, just as they’re tough fights for me.”
Featured image credit to Embed from Getty Images
