Diego Lopes is challenged by undefeated opponent and receives 'threat' for UFC fight

Diego lopes is currently third in the featherweight rankings. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @diegolopesmma

Sometimes the path to gold passes through a mirror. Undefeated in the UFC, Movsar Evloev is not afraid to look back — even if it means meeting an old acquaintance with a first and last name: Diego lopes. The Russian, who beat the Brazilian in the UFC Las Vegas 73, held in May 2023, wants a new meeting that puts him close to a chance for the featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg), which belongs to Ilia Topuria.

See too

Who is Jared Cannonier? From the Army to the Octagon, meet Robocop's opponent at UFC Vegas 102

Eye on the belt? Gregory Robocop raises doubts as to whether Du Plessis will remain champion by the end of the year

Gregory Robocop: between victories, falls and the chance to enter the UFC middleweight elite

“Why not? This guy (Diego lopes) has been impressive after losing to me and now he's higher in the rankings. Why not him? Even if someone is lower in the rankings, if they take me to the title, it doesn't matter how. Because I need to fight often. I spent a long time waiting for someone to fight me," Evloev said in an interview with 'MMA Fighting'.

This is not just a compliment. With 11 months of inactivity in 2024, the 29-year-old fighter understands that the featherweight title race is moving slower than his own pace. Ilia Topuria, the current champion, prefers a rematch with Volkanovski or a jump to lightweight. Meanwhile, Max Holloway, still ranked in the division, ventures into the lightweight division. Evloev, ranked fourth, sees the rematch with Lopes as a bridge — not a step backwards.

Diego Lopes or… veterans?

Movsar Evloev doesn't hide his cards. In addition to Lopes, he mentions Volkanovski and even Holloway as possible rivals. The strategy is clear: accumulate big names to force the UFC to see him as a challenger.

“Either of them is a good fight for me. A second fight with [Diego] Lopes or Volkanovski, he’s still a big name. He’s not at his peak, I think, but he’s still strong and he’s a big name. Maybe after him, they’ll have no choice but to give me a title shot. I can go to his homeland, Australia, to fight him. It doesn’t matter when, where, who, finally just give me the belt. We still have it.” Max Holloway in the rankings even after he said he would not return to featherweight, so why is he still there?” Evloev said.

Undefeated in MMA, Movsar Evloev He is 29 years old and has 19 victories. The Russian has triumphs over Diego lopes, Dan Ige e arnold allen. Known for his quality in wrestling and evolution on his feet, he is considered one of the most complete in the category.