Diego Lopes lists reasons to fight for the belt against Ilia Topuria and guarantees: 'I'm not going backwards'

Diego lopes celebrates victory in UFC 300 (Photo: Twitter/UFC Español)

Although recent events indicate that Alexander Volkanovsky is the main favorite to be the next challenger for the featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg) in Ilia Topuria in the UFC, Diego lopes He hasn't given up yet and continues campaigning to be chosen.

In a recent interview with 'MMA Junkie', the Brazilian based in Mexico presented the arguments that, according to him, make him the logical choice to challenge the Georgian-Spanish fighter next.

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“The arguments for me to be next are: I’m on a good streak, I’ve beaten three ranked fighters this year, I’m in third place and Topuria has already beaten the two above me in the rankings. We’re the new blood in the division and this would be a refreshing fight for the division. For a long time, every title fight has involved Volkanovski or Holloway. This fight would be a renewal. Furthermore, it could be held in Spain or anywhere in Latin America and be promoted 100% in Spanish for all Hispanics. These are the arguments I present,” listed Diego.

In addition to issues of merit and promotion, Diego lopes guarantees that, in terms of styles, he would be the athlete with the greatest potential to deliver an explosive 'war' against the current champion.

“Simply put, what I bring is definitely the power of my hands, the explosiveness of my striking, my volume and I would say that the main thing is that I am not afraid of anyone. Does he come in to punish? Me too. If the fight goes to the ground, it will be a battle. If he moves forward, he will hit a wall head on. I will not move backwards, nor sideways, nor try to keep my distance. I like war. It is where I feel comfortable and it is also his game, so the style favors me”, he stated.

Lastly, Diego lopes returned to present the fact that Ilia Topuria have already knocked out Alexander Volkanovsky e Max Holloway, the only two above him in the featherweight rankings, to demand the next fight.

“If we are talking about numbers and results, it is not to brag, but I think I am in a good position to ask for the title. Before the UFC 300 I wasn't in the UFC rankings. However, since I beat three ranked fighters, I was ranked third. I think that based on merit, I deserved the position I'm in. Topuria knocked out the first and second fighters and I'm third. I think I have the arguments to ask for this fight”, he concluded.