Tag: Diego Lopes

Alexander Volkanovski Agrees To Fight Diego Lopes Over Winner Of Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway On One Condition

Before anyone could say Jack Robinson, Diego Lopes has become the No. 3 ranked UFC featherweight contender in the world. He lost his Dana White’s Contender Series fight in September 2021 and racked up two wins in Lux Fight League and Fury FC before making his UFC debut against Movsar Evloev on short notice in […]

Continue Reading Alexander Volkanovski Agrees To Fight Diego Lopes Over Winner Of Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway On One Condition at MMA News.

Before anyone could say Jack Robinson, Diego Lopes has become the No. 3 ranked UFC featherweight contender in the world. He lost his Dana White’s Contender Series fight in September 2021 and racked up two wins in Lux Fight League and Fury FC before making his UFC debut against Movsar Evloev on short notice in May 2023.

Although Lopes lost the Evloev fight, his impressive performance solidified his position in the promotion. Since then, he’s won five fights in a row and following the latest victory over Brian Ortega, he’s eyeing a title fight or a title eliminator with Alexander Volkanovski.

The former UFC featherweight kingpin has finally revealed what would compel him to take on Lopes instead of the winner of Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway…

Alexander Volkanovski Reveals The Only Scenario Where Fighting Diego Lopes Would Make Sense For Him

Volkanovski appeared on the Submission Radio YouTube channel to clear the air around his next fight. When asked about Lopes, “The Great” stuck to what he’s been saying ever since losing the title. He’ll return to fight for the undisputed UFC featherweight championship and he’ll share the Octagon with Lopes if a title is involved.

Volk presented a scenario where either Holloway or Topuria might need time off after their UFC 308 showdown. He remembered that Holloway also has the BMF belt and can move up weight classes which might incentivize the UFC to make an interim title fight.

“If it was going to be him next, you know, something would have to happen to one of the guys, you know, from the fight where they get injured or move divisions or whatnot, you know. And there’s an interim title or something like that, obviously I’m not scared of nobody but I’ll fight for the title and that’s that. So that’s the only way that sort of happens, but you know you never know what happens right? Like the boys, the guys are fighting. Max has got a BMF belt. What’s he going to do if, you know? If Max wins, what’s his next fight? Is he defending the featherweight belt straight away or is he going BMF so that could open the door for maybe a, you know, an interim or something.”

So, an interim title fight is the only thing that would motivate Volkanovski to fight Lopes. Volk being Volk, he didn’t entirely rule out the possibility of a non-title fight with the Brazilian prospect. However, he seems adamant about returning to only fight for the featherweight belt for now.

Continue Reading Alexander Volkanovski Agrees To Fight Diego Lopes Over Winner Of Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway On One Condition at MMA News.

Aljamain Sterling Excited At Prospect Of Facing Diego Lopes In Title Eliminator After UFC 307

It’s a huge few weeks for the UFC’s featherweight division leading up to UFC 308, where the champion will be making his first title defense. Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway is one of the most anticipated fights of the year, but in the meantime, there’s still plenty of movement to happen at the top of […]

Continue Reading Aljamain Sterling Excited At Prospect Of Facing Diego Lopes In Title Eliminator After UFC 307 at MMA News.

It’s a huge few weeks for the UFC’s featherweight division leading up to UFC 308, where the champion will be making his first title defense.

Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway is one of the most anticipated fights of the year, but in the meantime, there’s still plenty of movement to happen at the top of the division.

Diego Lopes earned his spot in the top five this past weekend at UFC 306 (Noche UFC), where he defeated former two-time title challenger Brian Ortega.

However, despite his incredible rise after losing his UFC debut, Lopes could need one more win in order to earn a title shot, and his next opponent could be decided at UFC 307…

Aljamain Sterling Talks About The Potential Of Facing Diego Lopes In A Title Eliminator

Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling is looking to earn back-to-back wins at 145 pounds when he clashes with the undefeated Movsar Evloev on October 5 in Salt Lake City.

Whoever wins that fight will be in a great position to fight someone right near the top of the rankings which, as Sterling pointed out, could end up being Lopes.

In an interview with Submission Radio, “Funk Master” laid out his idea of how things will play out.

“I can see, because (Alexander) Volkanovski’s guaranteed his next title shot no matter who wins between Ilia and Holloway, that Lopes is probably gonna have to fight again. So, I would imagine that between the the winner of myself and Movsar, I think that’ll probably end up being the next title challenger.”

Sterling also said that off the back of Lopes’ win over Ortega, this is a fight that gets him excited because he sees the Brazilian as a tough test.

Getting past the undefeated Russian is a big hurdle in the first place, but a fight with Lopes would have huge title implications for the winner.

“It definitely is an exciting time for the featherweight division and for myself because that’s not an easy fight and that excites me. That’s the most exciting part about it.”

Continue Reading Aljamain Sterling Excited At Prospect Of Facing Diego Lopes In Title Eliminator After UFC 307 at MMA News.

Video: Fan Goads Brian Ortega About Tracy Cortez Relationship After UFC 306 Loss

Brian Ortega recently became embroiled in a fiery altercation with a fan who hurled comments at him about ex-girlfriend, Tracy Cortez, following his defeat at Noche UFC 306. “T-City” finally met Diego Lopes in the Octagon on the main card of one of the most highly anticipated pay-per-view events last weekend at the Sphere in […]

Continue Reading Video: Fan Goads Brian Ortega About Tracy Cortez Relationship After UFC 306 Loss at MMA News.

Brian Ortega recently became embroiled in a fiery altercation with a fan who hurled comments at him about ex-girlfriend, Tracy Cortez, following his defeat at Noche UFC 306.

“T-City” finally met Diego Lopes in the Octagon on the main card of one of the most highly anticipated pay-per-view events last weekend at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, Ortega never found his footing in the bout, as Lopes came dangerously close to finishing him in the opening round. From there, the rising Brazilian star unleashed a relentless assault throughout the fight.

By the final bell, Ortega was left battered and bruised, his left leg nearly crippled from Lopes’ unforgiving barrage of leg kicks. In the end, Lopes secured a unanimous decision victory.

Ortega and Lopes were originally set to face off in a featherweight showdown as the co-main event of UFC 303 in June. However, the 33-year-old Californian had to withdraw on the day of the event due to health complications stemming from a difficult weight cut, even after the fight was moved to lightweight.

Ortega Shows Frustration When Linked To Cortez

As Ortega made his way backstage after a disheartening loss to Lopes, a fan in the crowd taunted him with a cruel remark, shouting that, after losing the fight, Cortez surely wouldn’t want him now.

“Tracy ain’t not want you no more,” the fan said. “Tracy’s done with you.”

What the naysayer likely didn’t anticipate was that ‘T-City,’ already reeling from his defeat, would charge at him in a fit of fury, ready to confront the taunts head-on. However, before things could escalate, security intervened, pulling Ortega back and preventing the situation from spiraling out of control.

The romantic connection between Ortega and Cortez became one of the UFC’s most talked-about love stories. The pair dated for nearly two years and were even rumored to be engaged at one point. Frequently seen together at UFC events or supporting each other from their respective corners, the couple never hesitated to flaunt their affection on social media.

However, the couple called it quits early last year, and their highly publicized separation fueled a flurry of speculation. Yet, despite the public drama, the real reason behind their breakup remains cloaked in mystery.

Continue Reading Video: Fan Goads Brian Ortega About Tracy Cortez Relationship After UFC 306 Loss at MMA News.

‘This Dude Is Going To Be One Of The Greats’ – Islam Makhachev, Aljamain Sterling & Other UFC Fighters React To Diego Lopes’ Dominant Win Over Brian Ortega At UFC 306

Fight fans and UFC featherweight division – if you didn’t believe in Diego Lopes, do you now? In a fight that was originally supposed to happen at UFC 303 before Brian Ortega’s day-of pull-out due to a 103-degree fever, Lopes ended up making a statement scoring a win in a featured bout at Noche UFC […]

Continue Reading ‘This Dude Is Going To Be One Of The Greats’ – Islam Makhachev, Aljamain Sterling & Other UFC Fighters React To Diego Lopes’ Dominant Win Over Brian Ortega At UFC 306 at MMA News.

Fight fans and UFC featherweight division – if you didn’t believe in Diego Lopes, do you now?

In a fight that was originally supposed to happen at UFC 303 before Brian Ortega’s day-of pull-out due to a 103-degree fever, Lopes ended up making a statement scoring a win in a featured bout at Noche UFC 306.

Lopes managed to drop Ortega in the fight’s opening minute, but Ortega managed to survive a follow-up flurry from the rising featherweight contender.

The former featherweight title challenger was rocked again during the second round, with Lopes landing a head kick before knocking him down with a vicious leg kick. That combined with a series of leg kicks throughout the fight appeared to do damage and leave a welt on one of Ortega’s legs.

Lopes rocked Ortega hard with a combination in the third round, dropping him once more, though Ortega was able to get up and throw down until the final horn.

Diego Lopes Puts On Dominant Display In Victory Over Former Title Challenger Brian Ortega

Lopes earned respect in his UFC debut, a short-notice loss to Movsar Evolev at UFC 288, and he’s now won five straight since.

Ortega, meanwhile, has now lost three of his last four, including an unsuccessful challenge of Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title at UFC 266 in September 2021.

Continue Reading ‘This Dude Is Going To Be One Of The Greats’ – Islam Makhachev, Aljamain Sterling & Other UFC Fighters React To Diego Lopes’ Dominant Win Over Brian Ortega At UFC 306 at MMA News.

Noche UFC 306: Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream

Noche UFC 306 takes place on Saturday night, and MMA News is here to bring you the final faceoffs from the ceremonial weigh-ins! The upcoming pay-per-view event at the Sphere in Las Vegas provides a chance for UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley to further enhance his legacy on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage. After unseating Aljamain […]

Continue Reading Noche UFC 306: Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream at MMA News.

Noche UFC 306 takes place on Saturday night, and MMA News is here to bring you the final faceoffs from the ceremonial weigh-ins!

The upcoming pay-per-view event at the Sphere in Las Vegas provides a chance for UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley to further enhance his legacy on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

After unseating Aljamain Sterling in August 2023 and withstanding a challenge from Marlon Vera in Miami this past March, “Sugar” is next tasked with stalling the championship ambitions of Merab Dvalishvili to continue his reign atop the 135-pound mountain.

The celebration of Mexican Independence Day will also see the nation’s own champion in action, with Alexa Grasso set to defend her flyweight gold in a trilogy contest opposite Valentina Shevchenko.

Elsewhere on the UFC 306 card, the surging Diego Lopes will look to ascend into the top five in a rearranged showdown with Brian Ortega, while Mexican prospects Ronaldo Rodriguez and Daniel Zellhuber also have the chance to make statements on a major stage.

Ahead of the event, all 20 fighters successfully made weight. With that, every fight has remained intact, and all that remains on Friday night is for the athletes to face off one final time at the UFC 306 ceremonial weigh-ins!

Check out a live stream via the official UFC YouTube channel below, commencing at 10 p.m. ET.

Noche UFC 306 Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream

Continue Reading Noche UFC 306: Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream at MMA News.

Chael Sonnen Brands Noche UFC 306 Fight The ‘Most Under-Promoted’ Of 2024

Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen wants to know why more people aren’t being “hyped up” for one important Sphere showdown this weekend. Mixed martial arts’ leading promotion will stage its second annual celebration of Mexican Independence Day on Saturday, Sept. 14. Rather than the T-Mobile Arena, this year’s edition of Noche UFC will take […]

Continue Reading Chael Sonnen Brands Noche UFC 306 Fight The ‘Most Under-Promoted’ Of 2024 at MMA News.

Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen wants to know why more people aren’t being “hyped up” for one important Sphere showdown this weekend.

Mixed martial arts’ leading promotion will stage its second annual celebration of Mexican Independence Day on Saturday, Sept. 14. Rather than the T-Mobile Arena, this year’s edition of Noche UFC will take place within the unique surroundings of the Sphere.

Tasked with topping the lineup are two champions in bantamweight kingpin Sean O’Malley and flyweight queen Alexa Grasso. Before “Sugar” defends against Merab Dvalishvili in the main event, the Mexican will complete her trilogy with Valentina Shevchenko.

The rest of the card isn’t the deepest and has been criticized by some. But the non-title fights on offer does include one blockbuster rearranged collision between featherweight veteran Brian Ortega and the fast-rising Diego Lopes.

Different predictions are flying for the contest, which comes a few months after their UFC 303 co-headliner fell through on the day of the event due to sickness suffered by “T-City.”

After that debacle, Sonnen sees the fight as one of the most highly anticipated of the year. But the ex-middleweight and light heavyweight contender doesn’t believe the promotion has done justice to that…

Sonnen: There Is A ‘Very Bizarre Feel’ Around Ortega vs. Lopes

During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Sonnen looked ahead to this weekend’s major PPV event in Las Vegas, specifically the most marquee bout on the undercard.

While Lopes has established himself as one of this year’s leading fan favorites and will face a former two-time title challenger and longtime contender in Ortega, Sonnen doesn’t think the bout is being promoted nearly enough.

That has baffled “The American Gangster,” who went as far as to describe the fight as one of the most “sought-after” of 2024 thus far.

“Brian Ortega, Diego Lopes — this thing is so wildly interesting,” Sonnen said. “Talk about a backstory, by the way. You know how helpful that is? … When you promised the world a fight and then all of a sudden you take it away. But it’s not being promoted, guys. Why is that? I’m just asking a question, making an observation. Why is it not being promoted?

“This is one of the most sought-after fights in a period of time. Can I say all of 2024? Short-term memory with a little bit of exaggeration, yeah, it’s one of them. Absolutely it is,” Sonnen continued. “There is a very bizarre feel around this contest. There is a bizarre feel because nobody’s covering the contest! people are not talking about it. People are not getting you hyped up about it. That’s very peculiar. … This is one of the great fights of 2024. This is the most under-promoted fight of 2024.”

While it may not be getting spoken about to the extent it should be in the build-up, both Ortega and Lopes will look to ensure that the leading headlines surround their winning performance on Sunday and the days that follow Noche UFC 306.

Continue Reading Chael Sonnen Brands Noche UFC 306 Fight The ‘Most Under-Promoted’ Of 2024 at MMA News.