Diego Lopes responds to Jean Silva's provocations after being called a 'fake Brazilian'

Diego lopes (left) and Jean Silva (right) face each other at UFC San Antonio. Photo: Reproduction/Montage SUPER LUTAS

In preparation for another big fight in his career, Diego lopes focuses on correcting mistakes and sharpening his arsenal in order to return to the path of victory next. Scheduled to face Jean Silva on September 13, at UFC San Antonio, the fighter has to deal with frequent provocations made by the Fighting Nerds representative.

Besides hearing promises of a beating, Diego also faces accusations about his nationality. Despite being born and raised in Manaus, the fighter moved to Mexico and has lived there ever since. Keeping an eye on the situation, Jean takes advantage of this to try to irritate his compatriot, who considers the whole situation "nonsense."

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“I think this is complete nonsense. Besides, we're in a global sport. If we were in the Olympics, where you literally have to represent your country, fine. But that's not the case with MMA. Believe me: For years, I've been hearing this nonsense from people like, 'Oh, he's not Mexican. He's not Brazilian.' I've heard it from both sides, from Hispanics to Brazilians. It's all good. I don't care. I know the people who support me and are with me. I remember the people who were with me when I literally had nothing. I let people talk. But one thing is certain: On fight day, I'll go out with the Brazilian and Mexican flags—whether they like it or not. It's that simple,” Diego told MMA Junkie.

Diego lopes represents Brazil and Mexico in his UFC fights. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @diegolopesmma

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Finally, Lopes explained why he did not respond to provocations and assured that he would not be affected by Jean's remarks before the confrontation.

“I don’t like talking on the internet. I spoke to ‘El Pantera (Rodriguez)’, but he looked for him and then didn’t want to fight. Jean Silva He's talking bad about me, and that's fine. He's trying a lot of things, even saying I disrespected him, but to this day I'm still trying to understand when I disrespected him. I saw an interview where he said, 'Oh, no. I think maybe I've got things mixed up, and this is all childish, but I'm going to end it anyway.' That doesn't affect me at all," he concluded.

UFC San Antonio protagonists, Diego lopes e Jean Silva will face off in a five-round duel on September 13. The athletes are hoping to become the next challengers for the featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg) if they win.