“Leao” Lopes was born into deep poverty in the interior of
Brazil. It’s not a rare scenario, but through hard work, belief in
a higher power and maybe a little luck, the fighter finds himself
in the
Professional Fighters League with a chance to impress fans
around the world.
He shared his personal history with Sherdog.com:
“I’ve had every kind of job, except for trafficking or selling my
body. I’ve never experimented with my health by taking drugs. I’ve
been a cook, did laundry, was a janitor, a juice vendor, a stone
smith, mechanic and factory worker. Thankfully I met some people
who broadened my horizons and, through studies, I was able to
improve my standard of living. It’s necessary to understand
logistics and prepare well, so every mission can be
accomplished.”
By age 20, Lopes moved to Rio de Janeiro to join the world-famous
Nova Uniao team.
“I lived there until 2022. That’s when I moved to Zurich,
Switzerland, to live with my son’s mother. Our marriage didn’t work
out. Now I live in Frankfurt, Germany. It’s where I live and
work.”
The 30-year old featherweight faces France’s Adam
Meskini at
PFL Brussels on Saturday. Meskini has never been finished and
is looking to extend his winning streak in the PFL to three in a
row. Lopes, coming off a TKO loss in his promotional debut, hopes
to get back to his old ways, and prove why he deserves his spot in
the big leagues. The September 2025 loss to Amin Ayoub
still stings. Some considered it an early stoppage. But that’s water
under the bridge. The capoeira expert had an 11-fight undefeated
streak from 2016 to 2024 in the Brazilian scene. 75% of his career
wins have been by KO/TKO. So, fans know what to expect.
Lopes got ready for Meskini at Nova Uniao’s academy in Rio, his
home away from home.
“My training camp was blessed. I had much better planning. I’ve
been dreaming of this moment. I had eight weeks to get ready. I’m
very thankful for everything that’s been happening in my life. I
would like to thank the Nova Uniao team, especially coaches
Jose
Carlos Dias, Daniel
Malvino, Johnny
Eduardo, Giovanni
Diniz, Welerson Goncalves, and primarily master Andre
Pederneiras. With them, I worked on my jiu-jitsu, wrestling,
muay thai, boxing and no-gi. I fell ill during this training camp.
We took special measures and kept working. We gathered the best
possible information about my opponent. I got better. I’m strong
now. And I’m ready.”
Lopes knows that no man is an island. Unlike so many brash
fighters, full of bravado, he humbly credits his family,
particularly his grandmother:
“I come from a very humble family. Some of my uncles were born at
home. We left the city of Pirapora due to the lack of resources. My
father went looking for something better, so I ended up being
raised by my grandmother. She’s always supported me in every
possible way. She educated me and made me the man I am today. My
next win is dedicated to her.”
Life’s harsh lessons have not discouraged him — just the opposite.
“Leao” remains driven.
“I’ve had a difficult life. I’ve been homeless. But life is about
overcoming and learning. Today, I know not to judge people, and see
both sides of the coin. To survive, it’s necessary to believe in
God and work hard. I’m not seeking fame. I’m just looking to earn
money to take care of my family.”
He is well aware of his abilities and remains confident.
“My focus now is on this fight. I’ll use all my weapons to bring
home a victory. I have no doubt I will be the world champion. It’s
just a matter of time.”
⚖️
#PFLBrussels Official Weigh InsAdam Meskini: 145.8 lbs
Keweny Lopes: 145.3 lbs#PFLBrussels
| Saturday, May 23rd | Prelims 12:30PM EST | Main Card 3PM ET on
the ESPN App pic.twitter.com/6yn9FQgKfc— PFL (@PFLMMA)
May 22, 2026