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Diego Lopes is giving serious thought to changing weight classes. The top featherweight contender admitted that after two unsuccessful attempts to win the UFC championship belt, he may seek new challenges in the 155-pound weight class.
Diego Lopes has long been among the very best in the featherweight division. He has had two chances to take the championship belt from Alexander Volkanovski, but on both occasions he had to concede defeat to the Australian. In his last nine fights, the Brazilian has won seven and lost only two, both to the current champion. Although many consider him the second-best fighter in the division today, Lopes himself makes no secret of the fact that the road to his next title shot is very difficult for him.
In an interview with Guilherme Cruz of MMAFighting, the Brazilian admitted that as long as Volkanovski remains the champion, it will be difficult for him to get another title shot.
– It’s a bit of a complicated situation. Until Volkanovski retires, it’ll be very difficult for me to get another title shot. I’d have to count on him losing, but to be honest, I’d prefer that he retire as champion. He’s been a great champion in this weight class. If he were to step down with the belt, it would be something truly special. At the same time, he would pave the way for the next generation of fighters, and I believe I’m part of that generation,” said Lopes.
The Brazilian has not yet confirmed that his next fight will take place in the lightweight division. However, he makes no secret of the fact that he is increasingly drawn to that scenario.
– I’m definitely in a pretty tough spot right now. I’d like to move down to the lightweight division and have an exciting fight. Among the top five or six in that division, I see a few opponents with whom I could put on a really great show. To be honest, I don’t know yet what will happen in my current weight class. Last weekend, I spoke with the UFC, and we spent more time discussing the lightweight division than the featherweight division. It looks like the possibility of fighting at 155 pounds is becoming more and more realistic. We’ll see what the UFC’s plan is, ” he added.
It’s worth noting that Lopes was also a backup fighter for the main event of UFC Freedom 250. Ultimately, he didn’t have to step in for any of the main event fighters and made his debut on the card, knocking out Steve Garcia in the second round. That same evening, Justin Gaethje scored a sensational victory over Ilia Topuria, unifying the UFC lightweight championship belt.
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