The UFC featherweight contender has opened up on his experience as the UFC 308 backup fighter and why it is important to stay ready.
Diego Lopes served as the UFC’s fall-back option in October when Ilia Topuria defended his title against Max Holloway. Although he did not step into the cage in Abu Dhabi, the Brazilian expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.
Speaking exclusively to Shady Beshai from Combat Sports UK, he said: “It was a good motivation, being considered a backup is very important.
“I am number three in the world and then the opportunity arose, I needed this.
“If something happened, I would be very well prepared and I would be fighting.”
It looks as though Topuria’s next defence will be a rematch versus Alexander Volkanovski – leaving Lopes awaiting his next fight. @Bendaman2001 on X has today reported that a main event against Josh Emmett may be on the horizon in Mexico City.
The 29-year-old says he has been training and staying prepared for his next opportunity.
He continued: “The truth is that I have no problem [staying ready in training].
“I am training so, when I get a name, I am ready.”
Lopes Gives His Thoughts on the UFC Glove Situation
One of the strangest, most discussed topics in the MMA world recently has been the UFC’s decision to return to the old style gloves.
This was sparked during UFC 309 fight week and will be maintained for the final pay-per-view of the year in Las Vegas. However, the remaining fight night cards will still use the new gloves – leaving fans and fighters alike full of confusion.
Lopes has also weighed in on the debate.
He said: “I don’t have a preference, I’m okay with both gloves.”
Diego Lopes Full Exclusive Interview
You can check out the full interview with the #3 ranked featherweight contender below:
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Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
