Summary
Diego Lopes focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
One of the most exciting MMA fighters today, Diego Lopes could be about to make a significant change in his career. Defeated in February in Australia by Alexander Volkanovski , the featherweight champion (up to 65,8 kg), the Brazilian missed the chance to win the title for the second time. Therefore, the athlete is considering a change of scenery.
In an interview with the YouTube channel 'Laerte Viana na Área', Diego surprised everyone by expressing interest in switching from his current weight class to lightweight (up to 70,3 kg). And the Brazilian's intention is justified, since he was defeated twice by the MMA legend via unanimous decision.
Aware that he is far from receiving a third title shot, 'Franja' is seeking not only recovery in the UFC, but also new challenges. In any case, the athlete makes it clear that nothing is certain and indicates that the tendency is to remain in the featherweight division.
“It’s about waiting for the next step and seeing what the UFC has to offer, because I know that a third title shot in this weight class is a bit more difficult now. I ended up losing two. So, I’m analyzing whether I stay in this weight class, or if I try for a title shot in the lightweight division. I haven’t had any conversations with the UFC since the fight ,” said the athlete.
“I haven’t spoken to my team about fighting. We’ll talk and see what’s best. It’s something I’ve talked about a lot before. I’ve talked to the people close to me and it’s a possibility. But we also have to see what the UFC’s plans are, right? Because we know that, even if you want to move up, I think it’s a little more difficult when you’re already at a much higher level. I’ve had two title fights, I’m number two, it’s a little more difficult than if I were starting out and wanted to change weight classes.”
“One example is Ortega. How many times has he said he wanted to move up a weight class, and the UFC has never been able to find a lightweight fight for him that everyone would like? First, I want to talk to the UFC, I want to see what they have in mind for me, what they're going to tell me, and also give them my opinion. Moving up a weight class is a possibility, but it's just something I'm thinking about,” he concluded.
Diego's fighters in MMA
Diego Lopes , 31, is a popular and exciting fighter, and one of the best in the featherweight division. The Brazilian began his MMA career in 2012, debuted in the UFC in 2023, and became a sensation. Not surprisingly, he has fought for the division's title twice.
Currently, 'Franja' is ranked second in the division. In the sport, the professional has built a record of 27 wins, 23 by stoppage (12 by submission and 11 by knockout), and eight losses. His main victories were over Brian Ortega , Dan Ige , Jean Silva , and Sodiq Yusuff.
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