Diego Lopes denies last-minute fight against former rival: 'He had his chance, now wait'

Diego Lopes faced Movsar Evloev at UFC 288, losing by unanimous decision

Diego Lopes Movsar Evloev

M. Evloev (left) defeated Diego lopes (dir) in 2023. Photo: Reproduction/X

After Aljamain Sterling injury, Movsar Evloev expressed interest in remaining on the main card of UFC 307, and turned to a known adversary: Diego lopes. In a post on the social network X (formerly Twitter), the Russian challenged the Brazilian to a rematch.

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Diego Lopes Brian Ortega UFC 306 Instagram UFC
Diego Lopes defeats Brian Ortega at UFC 306. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
Diego Lopes defeats Brian Ortega at UFC 306. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

“Hey @diegolopesmma, if you want to defend your honor, you have two and a half weeks to try to get this loss off your record,” said Evloev, who is coming off a win over arnold allen in January this year.

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Uninterested in the challenge, the Brazilian, who defeated Brian Ortega by unanimous decision in the UFC 306, rejected his rival's proposal.

“You had your chance a few months ago when I called you to fight! Now you sit and watch while you wait for the bus to pass,” Lopes fired back.

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The Russian insisted on exchanging barbs, citing Lopes' performance against Dan Ige No. UFC 303, as well as making fun of the fighter's hairstyle.

Exchange of insults between the two fighters. Photo: Reproduction/X.

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Finally, the jiu-jitsu black belt ended the discussion, citing the recent history of both as a reason for not accepting the fight.

“Brother, since my first victory in the UFC, I called you to fight. You made excuses that you were above me in the ranking. Since our fight, I have five victories. You have only fought once. You are lower in the ranking, not to mention that you have not finished anyone,” concluded the Brazilian, who became the third placed in the category.

Diego Lopes vs Movsar Evloev

Diego lopes e Movsar Evloev faced each other in May 2023, in the Brazilian's debut in the organization. Despite landing good submission attempts throughout the 15-minute fight, the Brazilian was defeated by unanimous decision. At the time, the fight was accepted by Diego with only five days' notice, after an injury to Bryce mitchell.

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Diego lopes in battle against Movsar Evloev. Photo: Reproduction/X

Jean Silva

However, the denial of Diego lopes could create new opportunities for another promising Brazilian. Still unranked in the featherweight category (up to 65,7 kg), Jean Silva responded to the public challenge of Movsar Evloev, making himself available to occupy the card of UFC 307, in Salt Lake City, Utah (USA).

Given the situation, Evloev positively hinted at a confrontation against Silva, even saying that the Brazilian would be a more difficult challenge than the former champion.

“A lot of people say they want to fight me on the internet, but if you really want to fight me, call the UFC and I’ll fight you, make the weight and that’s it. And I know you’re more dangerous than Sterling, but if I want to be champion I have to beat everyone,” replied the Russian.

Jean Silva Charles Jourdain UFC 303 Twitter UFC News

Jean Silva derrotou Charles Jourdain No. UFC 303. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter UFC News

Jean Silva He debuted in the organization in January of this year, after winning his contract via the 'Dana White Contender Series' in September 2023. If the fight with Evloev materializes, it would not be the first opportunity in which the fighter would accept a fight with little notice. In his last appearance, he defeated Drew Dobber, in the lightweight (up to 70, 3 kg.), accepting the fight with only two weeks of preparation.

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