Jafel Filho aspires to emulate the success of Diego Lopes in the flyweight division, and is confident of his victory over Ode Osbourne in the upcoming UFC Vegas 88, with plans to eventually rematch Muhammad Mokaev.
Jafel Filho’s got a dream. He’s looking to become the Diego Lopes of the flyweight division. Now, Lopes, he’s a legend. His first UFC cage walk was back in May 2023, a short-notice fight against the top-ranked Movsar Evloev. Almost gave Evloev his first loss, but lost the decision.
But Lopes, he didn’t let that stop him. He bagged more bonuses in his next UFC appearances, with first-round finishes over Gavin Tucker and Pat Sabatini. Now, Filho wants to follow in those footsteps.
Unlike Lopes, Filho’s a former Shooto Brasil champ. He’s had success on the UFC’s Contender Series. His UFC debut? Against the highly-touted 125-pound prospect Muhammad Mokaev. Came close to submitting the undefeated Russian, but Mokaev rallied back to win via tapout.
Filho’s next bout was a different story. Less than four minutes to choke out Daniel Barez this past July. Now, he’s got his sights set on another finish. This time against eight-fight octagon veteran Ode Osbourne at UFC Vegas 88. He’s aiming to continue his rise up the 125-pound class.
Filho’s confident. He told MMA Fighting’s Trocação Franca podcast, “Not only can I [be like Diego Lopes], but I’m sure I will.” He’s got a record full of stoppage victories. He’s not one to leave it to the judges. He’s there to knock out or submit his opponent. And he’s not planning on getting knocked out or submitted himself. He’s going in to finish and make history in the flyweight division.
A big victory in Las Vegas? That’s what Filho’s hoping for. It could lead to a clash with a ranked opponent next. All part of his plan. And that plan includes a rematch with Mokaev down the line. Since his victory over Filho, Mokaev’s submitted Tim Elliott and won a decision over Alex Perez.
Filho’s not afraid of a challenge. He took the fight with Mokaev when not many others would. He loves the hype it generates. He’s trained three times harder to secure another victory. He’s hungry and ready to fight Mokaev again at the top.
Osbourne’s got a 2-2 UFC record in bouts that have ended in knockouts. Filho’s confident his hands can give “The Jamaican Sensation” another defeat. But he’s got a different game plan in mind.
“He’s fast and explosive,” Filho said of Osbourne. But Filho’s confident in his wrestling and grappling game. He believes it’s way better than Osbourne’s and that it will break his will. He’s ready to take control of the fight.
His coach, Andre Pederneiras, told him, “Jafel, any hand you land will drop this guy because you have the heaviest hands of the division.” Filho agrees. But he’s planning to play tight and solid against Osbourne with his grappling. He believes that’s his advantage. Why take the hard road when there’s an easier one, right?