Diego Lopes is set to fight Alexander Volkanovski for the vacant featherweight title after Ilia Topuria moved up to lightweight, and he believes Topuria can succeed in the higher weight class while also expressing interest in potentially competing in different divisions himself in the future.
Diego Lopes is stepping into the spotlight, thanks to Ilia Topuria’s move up to lightweight. He’s now set to face Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title on April 12 in Miami. Talk about good timing!
Topuria, a name that resonates with power, once made waves in the lightweight division. Remember when he knocked out Jai Herbert with that right hook back in March 2022? That was something else. Since then, he’s been on a tear, taking down big names like Max Holloway and Volkanovski.
“He’s got what it takes to make a mark at 155,” Lopes shared with MMA Fighting, clearly impressed by Topuria’s potential. The guy’s athletic, young—27 or 28 maybe? Plenty of time to shake things up in a new division.
But what if Topuria decides to return to featherweight? No worries there. Lopes is ready for that challenge too. “If he comes back, I hope to be the champion so I can fight him,” he chuckled. Confidence much?
For now, though, Lopes has his eyes set on Volkanovski and that coveted 145-pound gold. He’s riding high on a five-fight win streak, with victories over Brian Ortega and Dan Ige. Not bad for a guy who’s dabbled in bantamweight before.
And the future? Well, it seems wide open. “My nutritionist says I can fight anywhere,” Lopes revealed, hinting at possibilities across weight classes. But right now? It’s all about dominating featherweight. Who knows what tomorrow might bring? Maybe some epic battles at 155? Let’s wait and see!