Diego Lopes expresses his desire to defend the belt against Jean Silva: 'Because of the rivalry'

Diego Lopes focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/diegolopesmma

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Diego Lopes has shown himself willing to face Jean Silva again. The Brazilian, who represents Mexico in the UFC, has a fight scheduled against Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title (up to 65,7 kg) at event number 325, next Saturday (31), in Sydney, Australia. If he wins the title, Lopes has already left open the possibility of a rematch with 'Lord'.

In an interview with the 'Sexto Round' channel, the current second-ranked featherweight made it clear that the UFC decides. Lopes is aware of the possibilities in case of victory and has no problem fighting Jean Silva , Yair Rodriguez , Movsar Evloev , or any other name the organization desires.

“Let’s see what the UFC will think (about a possible challenger for the belt in case of Diego’s victory) because there are many things they can analyze. It could be Jean Silva , because of the rivalry, it could be Yair Rodriguez , also because of the rivalry, it could be Movsar Evloev , because of the rematch… so, it could be anyone… really, now, I think that, winning the title, if everything goes well and I win the title, there will be many more options for the UFC to put on the table than if (Alexander) Volkanovski wins the fight. If he wins the fight, I think it will be in a kind of so-so situation for him,” said Diego Lopes in an interview.

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The Brazilian emphasized that he wasn't downplaying the Australian's chances. He simply believes that, in terms of the narrative of the duels, as is the case in some of the fighter's rivalries, the company would gain more from his victory.

“Without wanting to diminish my opponents, but in terms of an attractive fight, I think it would be much more convenient for the category if I won the title now, as I would have many more fight options. People know what I'm like, whoever they put in front of me, I'll fight without any problem. When you win the title, everyone wants to fight you. So, for me, it doesn't matter much who it will be, I'm here to fight. My goal now is this Saturday (31), to be able to have a great fight, win the belt and then be able to think about that,” concluded the Brazilian.

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