Diego lopes celebrates victory in UFC 300 (Photo: Twitter/UFC News)
Just over a year in the UFC was enough for Diego lopes consolidate himself as one of the organization's main promises and enter the radar of top athletes in the category. While waiting for confirmation of his next fight, which should take place on UFC 306, in September, the Brazilian based in Mexico has been challenged by big names, but not everyone pleases him at the moment.
In an interview with 'Canal Encarada', Diego lopes commented on the recent challenge made by aljamain sterling, but stated that he did not see the point in a fight against the former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg) at the current moment.
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“It doesn’t make sense now. I was going to face the number 3 in the world, I fought with the number 13 and gained two positions. The UFC basically guaranteed me a fight with a top 5 opponent, so now aljamain sterling makes no sense, just like a rematch against Movsar Evloev”, He explained.
Riding on four consecutive victories, two of them in 2024, Diego lopes believes that the number of challenges he has been receiving has to do with the image and size he has been building in the organization.
“They know I’m in a good position now. They know that I would face the number 3 in the world and that I'm coming with my foot in the door for a title fight, so they want the attention for themselves. It doesn't make sense for them to challenge me, when they are ranked above me. It doesn't make sense, but they know I'm making noise with the fans and with the UFC”, he said.
Lastly, Diego lopes pointed again Brian ortega, who would be his opponent in the UFC 303, in June, as an ideal opponent for his next fight.
“Since it seems that Max Holloway e Ilia Topuria are going to fight, I would like to face Ortega because he fought for the belt twice and has a lot of experience against the best in the division. A good fight and a good victory over him would definitely put me close to the belt”, he concluded.
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