Tag: Diego Lopes

’10-7 Diego Lopes’ – Fans React After Lopes & Movsar Evloev Trade Barbs Over UFC 303 Fight On X

UFC featherweight contenders Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev recently exchanged heated words on X, much to the MMA community’s amusement, adding fuel to the already unclear matchmaking situation in the division. Lopes navigated a tumultuous lead-up to his short-notice fight at UFC 303 last Saturday. Despite the chaos, the highly regarded featherweight contender extended his […]

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UFC featherweight contenders Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev recently exchanged heated words on X, much to the MMA community’s amusement, adding fuel to the already unclear matchmaking situation in the division.

Lopes navigated a tumultuous lead-up to his short-notice fight at UFC 303 last Saturday. Despite the chaos, the highly regarded featherweight contender extended his winning streak, triumphing over Dan Ige, who accepted the bout just a few hours before the showdown.

With Brian Ortega unable to compete, Lopes chose to remain on the card and face Ige, who resides near the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and heroically stepped up when the UFC needed him most.

Lopes had his fair share of success with both striking and grappling throughout the first two rounds of their fight. However, Ige mounted a fierce comeback in the final round, pushing the Brazilian to his limits. Despite this, Lopes secured the victory, with all three judges unanimously scoring the bout 29-28 in his favor.

Following Lopes’ triumph, Evloev took to X to propose a rematch against his former opponent at Noche UFC (UFC 306), slated for September 14 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. The undefeated Russian’s challenge came out of apparent frustration with Aljamain Sterling’s reluctance to schedule a fight.

“Hey, @Diegolopesmma, I wanna give you a rematch at the Sphere because @funkmasterMMA is running for his life, and this time, I’m gonna finish you.”

Lopes swiftly fired back at Evloev, accusing him of ignoring his previous callout for a rematch.

“Have you finally realized that the way the UFC pays attention to you is by mentioning my name? Or are you afraid that tomorrow morning I’ll be in your place in the rankings? It took you 3 months to get back to me. Sit back and watch the big guys do the work.”

Lopes’ Apparent Rejection of Evloev’s Offer Sparks Fan Reactions

The two fighters first clashed at UFC 288 in May 2023, where Lopes made his promotional debut on less than a week’s notice. Although he was a fresh face up against a top-ranked opponent, Lopes delivered an impressive performance, narrowly losing a decision in a bout that earned Fight of the Night honors.

Following their initial bout, Lopes has been nearly unstoppable in the UFC, amassing a four-fight win streak. In contrast, Evloev has only competed once, securing a unanimous decision victory over Arnold Allen in January.

Only time will tell if this duo gets the chance to settle their score. However, Lopes has already laid down the gauntlet, expressing his desire to either fight with Ortega or challenge former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at the UFC’s highly anticipated event in September.

Continue Reading ’10-7 Diego Lopes’ – Fans React After Lopes & Movsar Evloev Trade Barbs Over UFC 303 Fight On X at MMA News.

Diego Lopes lands decision win over Dan Ige in shocking 4 hour notice fight – UFC 303 Highlights

Diego Lopes lands decision win over Dan Ige in stunning 4 hour notice fight UFC 303 HighlightsRemaining on tonight’s UFC 303 card in a co-headlining setting following the cancellation of his fight with former title…

Diego Lopes lands decision win over Dan Ige in stunning 4 hour notice fight UFC 303 Highlights

Remaining on tonight’s UFC 303 card in a co-headlining setting following the cancellation of his fight with former title challenger, Brian Ortega — Brazilian favorite, Diego Lopes keeps his winning run in tact with a decision win over Dan Ige — who has been heralded for accepting a stunning fight on just 4 hours notice tonight.

Lopes, who made a catchweight walk at 165lbs tonight at the shortest of short-notice replacements tonight in the form of his fight with Ige, remained on the card after initially scheduled foe, Ortega was forced from the pairing after he was struck down with an illness.

ige lopes

Replacing the former title challenger on just four hours notice, Ige — who was preparing for his own return in just weeks time, elected to accept an offer to take on Diego Lopes on the shortest of notice, weighing in backstage below a 165lbs catchweight — with the Nevada State Athletic Commission sanctioning the short-notice pairing.

lopes ige 3

And sharing the Octagon tonight at UFC 303, Lopes managed to turn in two impressive rounds against the slick striker, Ige — before appearing to slow down his usual aggressive pace in the third and final frame, before riding out for a decision win.

diego Lopes 3

Below, catch the highlights from Diego Lopes’ stunning short-notice fight with Dan Ige at UFC 303

Arman Tsarukyan’s fight purse withheld by NSAC after fan incident at UFC 300, faces disciplinary action

Over $30,000 of Arman Tsarukyan's fight purse withheld by NSAC following viral fan incident at UFC 300Arman Tsarukyan is facing disciplinary action following an altercation with a fan at UFC 300. As ‘Ahalkalakets’ made his…

Over $30,000 of Arman Tsarukyan's fight purse withheld by NSAC following viral fan incident at UFC 300

Arman Tsarukyan is facing disciplinary action following an altercation with a fan at UFC 300.

As ‘Ahalkalakets’ made his way to the Octagon for his main card clash with former lightweight world champion Charles Oliveira at the landmark event in Las Vegas, Tsarukyan engaged in a brief scuffle with a fan in the crowd. Video of the incident quickly made its way online, showing the 155-pound contender throwing a punch at someone seated near the entryway.

“He showed me ‘F*ck you’ and he wanted to punch me and I wanted to punch him back,” Tsarukyan explained at the post-fight press conference. “That’s it. So guys, no one show me ‘F*ck you.’ It doesn’t matter who you are, I’m going to punch you in the face.”

Unfortunately, it looks like Tsarukyan’s physical retaliation is going to cost him.

Per a report from Damon Martin of MMA Fighting, Tsarukyan’s fight purse was $158,000, of which 20% — or $31,600 — is being withheld by the Nevada State Athletic Commission until a full disciplinary hearing can be held in May. In addition to a potential fine, ‘Ahalkalakets’ could also face suspension by the NSAC.

Arman Tsarukyan

The commission did note that the fan involved in the incident opted not to press charges and has also made it clear that he has no intention of suing the UFC.

Arman Tsarukyan

Arman Tsarukyan isn’t the only fighter facing disciplinary action following UFC 300

Before Arman Tsarukyan’s viral incident, Diego Lopes delivered a highlight-reel knockout on the night, dispatching Sodiq Yusuff in the opening round of their preliminary bout.

Lopes walked away with $100,000, but $5,000 of that is now being withheld by the NSAC after Lopes hopped over the Octagon wall to greet UFC CEO Dana White — something he was specifically advised not to do.

Diego Lopes

The NSAC commissioner claims that White permitted Lopes to exit the cage and that the UFC CEO allegedly said, “I will pay his fine.”

The commission will review video evidence of each incident, specifically the incident with Tsarukyan, before levying a decision on both matters.

Diego Lopes

Diego Lopes steamrolls past Sodiq Yusuff with flattening knockout win – UFC 300 Highlights

Diego Lopes steamrolls past Sodiq Yusuff with blistering first round knockout UFC 300 HighlightsSurging Brazilian contender, Diego Lopes continues his roughshod run through featherweight contenders tonight on the late preliminary card of…

Diego Lopes steamrolls past Sodiq Yusuff with blistering first round knockout UFC 300 Highlights

Surging Brazilian contender, Diego Lopes continues his roughshod run through featherweight contenders tonight on the late preliminary card of UFC 300 — blowing through Nigerian contender, Sodiq Yusuff for a blistering opening round knockout.

Diego Lopes UFC 300
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Lopes, an alum of Dana White’s Contender Series — rebounded from a close decision loss to the highly-touted, Movsar Evloev in his short-notice Octagon debut, racking up an armbar submission win over Gavin Tucker, before turning in a KO win over Pat Sabatini.

Diego Lopes UFC 300 Zuffa LLC
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

And getting the well-travelled, Yusuff out of there within a minute and a half of the first round in their featherweight scrap at UFC 300, finishing sensation, Lopes dropped the former with a tight uppercut in the clinch, before Yusuff managed to gather his senses.

lopes ufc 300
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

However, it would prove only momentarily for Yusuff, who was sent to the canvas once more by Lopes with another sharp uppercut in the clinch, before he forced the issue with a slew of ground strikes for a first round knockout win.

Below, catch the highlights from Diego Lopes’ victory against Sodiq Yusuff at UFC 300

UFC 308 Backup Diego Lopes Hopes He Isn’t Needed For Main Event Between Topuria & Holloway

Following his decisive win over Brian Ortega at UFC 306, Diego Lopes called to be the backup fighter in Abu Dhabi this weekend. In the main event, Ilia Topuria puts his featherweight title on the line for the first time at UFC 308 when he takes on the former champion, Max Holloway. It’s undoubtedly one […]

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Following his decisive win over Brian Ortega at UFC 306, Diego Lopes called to be the backup fighter in Abu Dhabi this weekend. In the main event, Ilia Topuria puts his featherweight title on the line for the first time at UFC 308 when he takes on the former champion, Max Holloway.

It’s undoubtedly one of the biggest fights of the year so having another top contender on location and ready to make weight just in case is always a great plan B to have in the back pocket. This is especially true when you have someone like Lopes who as we saw earlier this year at UFC 303, is always down to step in there and fight whatever the circumstances are.

The Brazilian is currently riding a five-fight win streak so is seemingly just one win away from earning his title shot but in the case that something unfortunate happens, that could come as soon as just three days time.

However, despite calling for and receiving this opportunity, Lopes doesn’t have his fingers crossed that one man has to withdraw so that he can fight for the title on October 26. Just like all the fight fans around the world, the #3-ranked contender is stoked to watch this incredible match-up take place at the Etihad Arena.

He spoke in an interview with MMA Junkie that though he’s taking all the steps that he needs to take during fight week, he’s excited to watch it go down on Saturday night even if he isn’t involved.

“I’m waiting for everything bro but I’m so excited too to watch the fight. I hope on Friday morning, everything is okay, the guys stay healthy for the fight on Saturday night. I’m so excited for this fight.”

Lopes followed up, stating that though he wants to watch that fight take place this weekend, that will not get in the way of him taking the fight if the UFC pick up the phone.

“Yeah, I hope it is. I hope it is but if UFC need me, I’m waiting.”

Continue Reading UFC 308 Backup Diego Lopes Hopes He Isn’t Needed For Main Event Between Topuria & Holloway at MMA News.

Diego Lopes Responds To Alexander Volkanovski Proposing Interim Title Fight In Australia

The UFC announced on October 16 that it will be returning to Sydney, Australia on February 8 for UFC 312 at the Qudos Bank Arena. Following the announcement, one of the biggest names from this region spoke to the press about bringing the Octagon back down under. Former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has been […]

Continue Reading Diego Lopes Responds To Alexander Volkanovski Proposing Interim Title Fight In Australia at MMA News.

The UFC announced on October 16 that it will be returning to Sydney, Australia on February 8 for UFC 312 at the Qudos Bank Arena. Following the announcement, one of the biggest names from this region spoke to the press about bringing the Octagon back down under.

Former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has been biding his time and taking some well deserved rest in recent months ahead of the upcoming title fight at UFC 308.

After losing his belt to Ilia Topuria in February, “The Great” is waiting to get a rematch once “El Matador” faces Max Holloway later this month in his first title defense. Speaking to the media in an interview published by Submission Radio, Volkanovski said that he could be interested in other fights if this doesn’t materialize in time for Sydney.

He said that an interim title fight against the #3-ranked contender Diego Lopes would interest him if it means fighting in front of his home fans once again.

“Anything with gold with it, I’ll be happy. That’ll just lock me in for whoever it is that wins that anyway. So even if it’s interim, that’s still a big one. I’d say it’d be an exciting one with Lopes, if that was going to happen. If not, it’s Max or Ilia.”    

Via a post on social media, Lopes also signed off on the idea of stepping inside the Octagon in Sydney next time out. The Brazilian called for a fight with Volkanovski following his latest win over Brian Ortega at UFC 306 in September.

It seems unlikely that the UFC will put an interim title on the line in this division but with Volkanovski only wanting to compete for gold, this clash taking place in Australia could justify it. Lopes’ response was perfectly to the point.

Continue Reading Diego Lopes Responds To Alexander Volkanovski Proposing Interim Title Fight In Australia at MMA News.