Diego Lopes is inclined to change weight classes in the UFC, but there's still one name that could make him postpone that decision. After two recent losses to Alexander Volkanovski , the Brazilian sees moving up to lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) as an opportunity to turn his career around. However, the possibility of settling his rivalry with Yair Rodriguez could make him delay the transition for at least another fight.
In an interview with MMA Fighting, Lopes stated that a fight against Yair Rodriguez would make sense at this time, but highlighted his rival's long absence, as he hasn't competed since UFC 314 , held in April 2025.
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“Given the situation I’m in now, a name that might make sense is Yair Rodriguez , because of our history, but we haven’t heard anything about him in over a year and a half. Since I fought in Miami, I’ve fought three times, and nobody knows what happened to him. If the UFC gives me the opportunity to continue fighting in both divisions, I would love that,” said Diego Lopes.
Diego Lopes reveals the reason for changing categories.
Although he comes off a big win at UFC Casa Branca on June 14th, Diego Lopes still carries two recent losses to Alexander Volkanovski , at UFC 314 and UFC 325, the most recent being in January 2026. According to the fighter himself, these results leave him far from another title shot as long as the Australian remains champion.
Given this scenario, between hoping for a possible fall of Volkanovski or seeking new challenges, Diego Lopes gives indications that he prefers to explore new horizons in the lightweight division (up to 70 kg).
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