Diego Lopes emerges as a possible opponent for Charles do Bronx at UFC Rio: 'Why not?'

Diego lopes celebrates victory in Night UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X.

Diego lopes I wouldn't think twice if I had the opportunity to face Charles of the Bronx in the main fight of UFC Rio, scheduled for October 11. The former champion ended up without an opponent after Raphael Fiziev suffered an injury and was forced to leave the card. In this scenario, 'Franja', which comes from a victory over Jean Silva, was willing to fill the vacancy.

In an interview with the channel 'Laerte Viana na Área', Diego lopes stated that he would accept to face Charles of the Bronx at UFC Rio. According to the fighter, he would never refuse a challenge offered by the organization.

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"Of course I would, why not? Especially since Charles is a legend in Brazilian sports. And, like I say, I'll never turn down a fight. If the UFC thinks I'm the right guy to fight him and calls me, of course I would, without a second thought," he said. Diego lopes.

Despite his willingness, Lopes emphasized that the initiative would never come from him. The Brazilian's focus remains on winning the featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg).

"It's not our current interest, because we just won a very good fight, we're in a good position to fight for the belt, so it wouldn't come from us. We're fine with that. I've already talked to my manager; we want the belt. But if the UFC calls us and says, 'We need you,' we'll go for it. There's no problem," Lopes concluded.

the trajectory of Diego lopes in the UFC began after a failed stint on the Contender Series. After his loss on the reality show, the Brazilian gained ground by accepting a last-minute fight against Movsar Evloev. Despite being outclassed, the black belt left a good impression by making life difficult for the Russian and almost achieving the submission.

Following this, Lopes won five consecutive matches and even fought for the belt against Alexander Volkanovsky. Despite being unsuccessful against the champion, the representative of Mexico returned to winning ways by overcoming Jean Silva No. Night UFC.

Charles of the Bronx, in turn, has 35 wins and 11 losses in his career. A former lightweight champion, the Brazilian would return to the octagon for the first time since the knockout he suffered against Ilia Topuria No. UFC 317, in June this year.

Tickets sold out for UFC Rio

The return of the Ultimate to Rio de Janeiro once again confirmed the strength of MMA in Brazil. Tickets for UFC Rio, which would have Charles of the Bronx in the main event, they sold out within hours of going on sale. The anticipation of Charles's return to the Marvelous City was a determining factor in the high demand.