UFC 306 standout Diego Lopes cites motivation when mentioned by Ilia Topuria: 'My name is on the table'

Diego lopes in victory in UFC 303 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

PUBLICITY:

Just over a year in the Ultimate was enough for Diego lopes became one of the main topics within the featherweight division (up to 65,7 kg) of the organization. The Brazilian based in Mexico is only ranked 13th in the category, but is already on the champion's radar Ilia Topuria.

In a recent interview with the channel 'Shak MMA', Diego, who has the biggest fight of his career ahead of him against Brian ortega, former belt challenger and third in the ranking, this Saturday (14), at UFC 306, commented on the fact that he was mentioned in recent interviews by the current champion of the category.

See too

Sean O'Malley says he's close to surpassing Conor McGregor's popularity: 'I'm the man'

UFC phenomenon plans to retire at 25 and achieve unprecedented feat

“It’s great that he mentioned it, because if he’s saying my name, it’s for a reason. You’re telling me that a champion comes in there and mentions the 13th ranked guy. If he literally mentioned my name as the potential next challenger, it means he’s paying attention and seeing what I’m doing. That gives me even more motivation to go in there and get that win. That way my name will be on the table to be the next challenger,” celebrated the Brazilian.

Diego lopes faces Brian ortega on the main card of UFC 306, named 'Night UFC', in honor of Mexican Independence Day. The event is headlined by the bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg) title fight between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili and also features the trilogy between Alexa grasso e Valentina Shevchenko, for the flyweight title (up to 56,7 kg).