UFC icon taunts Diego Lopes and predicts defeat against Volkanovski: 'There's no chance'

Diego lopes presents itself in UFC 314 on April 12th. Photo: Reproduction/X

Amidst the anticipation for the UFC 314, scheduled for April 12 in Miami, Diego lopes will have the chance to win the organization's vacant featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg). The Brazilian, classified as an underdog in the betting, faces the former champion Alexander Volkanovsky, who is looking to regain the title after two consecutive defeats. The former champion's analysis aljamain sterling, however, is not favorable to the fighter.

aljamain sterling, ranked ninth in the featherweight rankings and former bantamweight belt holder, did not hold back in his criticism of the style of Diego lopes. In a video published on his YouTube channel, the American highlighted the Brazilian's supposed weaknesses.

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"Diego lopes He is an all-or-nothing fighter in the first round. He runs at you, goes all out in the first few minutes, and if he hits you, he feels the blood and finishes the fight. But if that is his plan against Volkanovski, and there is no plan B, he will lose. There is no chance. There is no other way of looking at it. You can't go five rounds exchanging blows with Alex,” Sterling analyzed.

Sterling reinforced the versatility of Volkanovski, who racked up five title defenses before losing the belt to Ilia Topuria in February 2024.

“Volk is hungry for victory and in phenomenal form. He is well-rounded in every aspect. He is not a finishing specialist, but he understands the ground game very well. Diego is dangerous in finishing, but he does not have the same rhythm or variety,” he added.

Diego Lopes fights for the belt at UFC 314

The opportunity to Diego lopes came about after Topuria, the current champion, relinquished his title to move up to lightweight. The Brazilian now faces his first challenge for a UFC belt.

Na Stake, he is quoted at 2.20, while Volkanovski appears as favorite (1.68) - a scenario that does not reflect the recent form of the Australian, defeated by knockout in his last two fights, including a frustrated attempt for the lightweight title against Islam makhachev.