Diego Lopes clarifies 'challenge' to Charles Oliveira for UFC BMF belt: 'They took it out of context'

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

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Diego Lopes , it seems, didn't appreciate being misinterpreted when speaking about Charles Oliveira . The Brazilian, who represents Mexico in the UFC, recently made headlines by stating he would accept a fight against the 'fiery lion' for the BMF title. Some viewers saw the episode as a challenge to his compatriot, a situation that 'El Brabo' was keen to clarify.

In a press conference at Media Day, Diego Lopes criticized how his statements were interpreted by the media. According to the fighter, his response was taken out of context after being questioned about a possible move up to lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) and the possibility of fighting for the BMF belt against Charles.

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“There’s one thing I don’t like about the media, and that’s taking things out of context. All they asked me was, ‘If I moved up to lightweight, given the opportunity to fight for BMF, and given the opportunity to fight Charles Oliveira, would you fight?’ and I said, ‘Yes, I would fight.’ I never said anything about challenging Charles for BMF. So, just to be clear, I never said I would like that. I said I would accept a fight,” explained Diego Lopes.

The athlete also analyzed a possible duel against Charles, highlighting the high technical level of both, especially in jiu-jitsu. In Lopes' assessment, the fight could be even more challenging because Do Bronx is already established in the lightweight division, while he would need to move up a weight class.

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“We both have high-class jiu-jitsu, obviously. We are two great fighters, but I think it might be a tougher fight because he's already in that division and, obviously, we would be moving up… if the fight happens, we'll have to see what happens. In terms of styles, it will be a great fight because if the fight stays standing, we're fun, and if the fight goes to the ground, it's the same thing. I think if it happens, it will be a very fun fight,” concluded El Brabo.

Although a move up to lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) is a possibility for Diego Lopes , “Franja” has more pressing matters to attend to. The Brazilian is scheduled to face Steve Garcia at UFC Casa Branca , scheduled for next Sunday (14), in a duel valid for the featherweight division (up to 65,7 kg).

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See photos of how UFC White House will work.

UFC octagon set up with the White House in the background. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter @ufc

UFC Fan Fest set up on the White House lawn. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter @ufc

UFC White House

UFC White House , also known as UFC Freedom 250 , will take place on June 14th at the official residence of the US president in Washington, D.C. Unlike usual, the event will be held on a Sunday, Donald Trump's birthday.

In the main event of UFC Casa Branca , Spaniard Ilia Topuria defends his lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) against the interim title holder, American Justin Gaethje.

Alex Poatan in the spotlight

Alex Poatan will be a featured athlete at UFC Casa Branca . Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Brazil will be represented at UFC Casa Branca . In the co-main event, Alex Poatan attempts an unprecedented feat. The former middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) champion is seeking the interim heavyweight (up to 120 kg) title against Frenchman Ciryl Gane.

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Besides Poatan, Mauricio Ruffy and Diego Lopes are the other Brazilian athletes on the card. They face Michael Chandler and Steve Garcia , respectively.