Diego Lopes is set to fight Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC featherweight title after Ilia Topuria vacated the belt, and he envisions two potential future paths for the division if he wins: a rematch with undefeated Movsar Evloev or a bout against former Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull, while expressing disappointment over Aljamain Sterling‘s public support for Evloev as a more deserving contender.
Diego Lopes is set to clash with Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC featherweight title. This comes after Ilia Topuria vacated the belt to pursue lightweight glory. The Brazilian fighter envisions two potential trajectories for the 145-pound division if he triumphs on April 12 in Miami.
Since joining the UFC, Lopes has only tasted defeat once, in a short-notice debut against Movsar Evloev. Since then, Evloev has racked up two more victories, maintaining an unblemished 19-0 record. Despite Lopes’ repeated calls for a rematch, he’s moved ahead with five consecutive wins.
Interestingly, despite past tensions, Lopes acknowledges American Top Team’s talent as a future title contender. “We have to be fair,” Lopes shared with MMA Fighting. “Nine wins straight. Even if they’re decisions, he’s undefeated and ranked No. 4.”
Another intriguing name in the mix is Patricio Pitbull, Bellator’s legendary featherweight who recently joined the UFC. Facing Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314, Pitbull could disrupt Evloev’s momentum and earn his own title shot with a stellar performance.
Lopes sees both potential matchups as pivotal for his legacy. A chance to avenge his sole loss or conquer a Bellator icon? Both hold unique allure. “Either fight would be monumental,” Lopes mused. “Beating a decorated non-UFC fighter or an undefeated Russian [laughs].”
A sore point for Lopes in this UFC 314 saga was Aljamain Sterling’s reaction to the announcement. Sterling, having lost to Evloev, took to social media advocating for the Russian’s title shot over Lopes’.
Lopes wasn’t thrilled about that. “It looks bad,” he remarked. “When fighters criticize like that, especially a former champion, it makes no sense.” He found humor in Sterling’s comments but felt it was ironic given his current title shot situation.
“The joke?” Lopes chuckled. “I’m fighting for the belt while they’re sitting out.” To him, it seems off when someone who knows the grind of reaching such heights critiques more than casual fans do.