Diego Lopes has reportedly discussed with the UFC about a potential permanent move up to the lightweight division.
The former featherweight title challenger most recently knocked out Steve Garcia at the White House on June 14 and then joked about fighting in the main event if any of the fighters pull out due to injury in the last minute.
The 31-year-old had previously weighed in as backup for the UFC Freedom 250 main event after Arman Tsarukyan, the original backup fighter, didn’t show up at the weigh-ins due to his RAF commitments.
Diego Lopes wants to fight next month and is open to moving up to lightweight
Diego Lopes believes securing a featherweight title shot will be extremely difficult, especially after suffering two consecutive losses to Alexander Volkanovski, once when the featherweight belt was vacant and again in their rematch at UFC 325.
Thus, Lopes is now looking to move to 155 pounds and is game to fight next month. He has told the same to the matchmakers and the UFC brass and believes anyone in the top five or six of the lightweight rankings would be a good matchup for him. During an interview with Ariel Helwani, he said:
“I’m open to moving up to 155. I talked to the UFC, and they like the idea. I want to fight as soon as possible. I can fight next month if that’s possible. I think there are some great fights for me in the rankings, especially stylistically. I think anyone in the top five or six would be a good fight for me.”
Check out Diego Lopes’ comments below:
Diego Lopes also revealed to Ariel Helwani that he was paid extra to step in as backup for the Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria lightweight title unification bout at the White House after Arman Tsarukyan was unavailable on fight week.
For being a company man, Lopes has already been given high-profile opportunities, including fights in the Sphere, at the White House, and 2 title shots. So it wouldn’t be surprising if the UFC now allows him to move up to 155 pounds and match him against a top-five opponent.