Gustavo Lopez was the face of Combate Americas. Now, he’s a fresh face in the UFC, entering just his third bout with the organization this Saturday at UFC Vegas 22.
It’s not something he minds at all. Lopez joined the promotion in 2020, posting a 1-1 record for the year. And being a lesser known fish in a big pond, “I actually love it. I love that fact that I’ve been considered the underdog for all my fights,” Lopez told Cageside Press during Thursday’s UFC Vegas 22 virtual media day. Lopez went on to explain that the lack of recognition gives him just another way to show off his talents. “Everyone, they just don’t know who I am yet. I’m just excited to go out there and perform.”
Earlier in his career, Lopez (12-5) was managed by none other than former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate. A fighter who “just took care of me so much,” said Lopez. “Physically and emotionally. She’s been like a mother to me.” When Lopez first moved to Las Vegas, he was staying on Tate’s couch. But her assistance amounted to much more than just a place to stay.
“She helped me grow so much, and I’m just 100% grateful to have the opportunity be around such a pioneer, and such a mentor,” Lopez stated. “Her mental strength is one thing I really admire. She fights so hard with all her heart, it’s just beautiful the way she works hard and everything.”
Ahead of his fight with Adrian Yanez, Lopez has had some harsh words in regards to finishing his opponent. A day ago, he stated he was going to “murder” Yanez in the fight. But he clarified on Thursday that “there is no beef” between the two. “I actually saw Yanez as soon as I got back from the PI [UFC Performance Institute]. We fist-bumped. There’s no animosity, there’s no hatred, there’s no nothing.”
Watch the full UFC Vegas 22 virtual media day scrum with Gustavo Lopez above.
