The featherweight division in the UFC is taking shape after Ilia Topuria knocked out Max Holloway in UFC 308. While Ilia Topuria in his post match interview indicated that he would want to fight both Diego Lopes and Alexander Volkanovski, it is now emerging that Diego Lopes is upset after being left out of the UFC’s promo for Ilia Topuria’s next fight. He expressed his surprise at the featherweight title scene and asked where he stands among the contenders.
Diego Lopes Age
Born Diego Lopes da Silva on 30th December 1994, he is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the featherweight division of the UFC. He is 29 years old. Diego Lopes has a record of 32 fights and 6 losses a good record for a person of his age.
Ilia Topuria Shows Interest in Fighting Diego Lopes and Alexander Volkanovski
In a post-match interview after knocking out Max Holloway on October 27, 2024, Ilia Topuria said, “I want the both” in reference to Diego Lopes and Alexander Volkanovski.
Topuria displayed an impressive performance against Max Holloway at UFC 308, successfully defending his title by securing a third-round knockout. Before his title fight, the Spaniard had also hinted at moving up to the lightweight division and even claimed to submit Islam Makhachev in a potential fight.
Ilia Topuria says he’ll be the first person to submit Islam Makhachev:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 26, 2024
“If someone could submit him, I will be the first one to submit him.”#UFC #MMA #UFC308 pic.twitter.com/DIF7qMznZn
However, according to UFC CEO Dana White, Topuria is expected to make his second title defense in a rematch against Alexander Volkanovski.
Diego Lopes Left Wondering about his Position Among the Contenders For Title
All of this has left Lopes wondering about his position among the top contenders for the featherweight belt. The rising prospect aimed at UFC after the promotion shared a picture of Topuria’s next possible opponents on social media that did not include him. He wondered, “And I’m a soccer player? Or what’s going on?”
And I'm a soccer player? Or what's going on? 🤔🤦🏼♂️
— Diego Lopes 🇧🇷🇲🇽 (@Diegolopesmma) October 29, 2024
Lopes made a compelling case for himself after defeating Brian Ortega at Noche UFC 306 via unanimous decision. The Brazilian is currently on a five-fight win streak and is ranked No.3 in the featherweight rankings.
Diego Wishes to Face Volkanovski for an Interim title Fight
During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Diego Lopes expressed interest in an interim title fight with Alexander Volkanovski after Ilia Topuria refused to face the Australian at UFC 312 in Sydney citing desire to defend his title in front of his home fans.
Lopes said that since Topuria wishes to take a break from fighting and Volkanovski has indicated that he would return to the octagon early next year, an interim title bout between him and the former champion made sense.
Ilia mentioned on Saturday night that he wanted to take some time off, also the UFC mentioned that they’re working on a data for Spain, while this is all going on, it makes the most sense for me to fight Alexander Volkanovski in Sydney for the interim title, Volk has already suggested this, I’ve already agreed to it, let’s just do it. It all makes sense. Ilia wants to take some time off and wants to fight in Spain. Volk wants to fight and doesn’t want to wait, I don’t mind flying to Sydney to fight him.”
