Summary
Johnson focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
No UFC 325, an event scheduled to take place on January 31st in Australia, Diego lopes He will have another chance to become featherweight champion (up to 65,8 kg). The Brazilian challenges Alexander Volkanovsky, king of the category, in a rematch. However, if it depended on the legendary Demetrious JohnsonThe Australian would have a completely different title challenger.
On his official YouTube channel, Johnson disapproved of Diego's title fight and questioned the UFC's decision. According to the former flyweight king (up to 57 kg), the undefeated Lerone murphy e Movsar Evloev They did more to deserve fighting for the title than the Brazilian, who lost to Volkanovski in April and has only won one fight since then.
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Not satisfied, the veteran lamented the fact that the UFC was prioritizing a fighter's popularity over sporting merit. It's worth noting that 'DJ' wasn't the only one who criticized the company's choice and pointed to favoritism towards Diego. Fans and MMA professionals also expressed dissatisfaction and considered his new title shot unfair. The champion himself seemed surprised by the fight.
“You had the opportunity to fight for the belt and you lost. It was four rounds to one. I think everyone feels comfortable saying that. I thought Volkanovski won that fight dominantly. Then, Diego beat Jean. He was shaken. It was a stand-up exchange, a war, but it was just one fight. He gets the opportunity to fight for the belt again. Why is he so popular? Why does he sell so many tickets? I don't know,” said the MMA legend.
“Are we doing this for popularity or because someone is better? That’s where I like to question the legitimacy of this thing we call ‘sport.’ That’s why I always say it’s not a sport. It’s a matter of choice. ‘I’m going to promote this athlete because he has a market I want to penetrate, one I haven’t yet managed to enter or establish myself in. I’m not worried about that.’ Fine. Just let me know,” he concluded.
Diego lopes Celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/diegolopesmma
How did Diego overcome the competition?
To challenge champion Volkanovski and have a rematch at UFC 325Diego overcame Lerone murphy e Movsar Evloev who, despite their undefeated record in MMA, rarely fight each other. The Brazilian left the pair behind largely due to his popularity, frequency in the octagon, his aggressive fighting style, and for impressing in his most recent victory. In September, the athlete knocked out... Jean Silva In the second round, ending his compatriot's undefeated streak in the company. Murphy and E...
Controlled by Volkanovski
Diego lopes already had a chance to become the UFC featherweight champion. In April, the Brazilian fought for the vacant belt in the division against Alexander VolkanovskyIn the octagon, the athlete even startled the Australian at certain moments, but he was controlled and lost by unanimous decision. Now, the professional can settle the score with the veteran and has his respect.
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