New York, NY – Looking to capitalize on one of the biggest stages in sports is UFC featherweight Diego Lopes who takes on Pat Sabatini at UFC 295 at MSG.
“Being in the main card, being with all those names, an incredible opportunity,” Lopes told reporters including Cageside Press through a translator on Wednesday.
“But also kind of to prove a point that my first fight when (I) was called on short-notice. I deserve to be here so just to prove to people that I deserve it.”
Lopes (22-6) entered the UFC when he took a short-notice bout against Movsar Evloev at UFC 288 earlier this year. He ultimately lost by decision but impressed fans and fighters by putting Evloev in tough spots throughout the fight.
The effort alone gained him a lot of fans and traction with the promotion.
“I think that I did have a good fanbase before. People knew me in Mexico, always interacted with the fans, but now that the world knows me. To come into the UFC, I was always knocking at that door, and when it finally happened I think that now more doors are going to open,” Lopes said.
“It’s so awesome to have the support and the love from all the fans.”
The matchup with Sabatini is a tough one, but an opportunity for Lopes to show out in front of a big crowd.
“All props to him, tough guy, coming off of a good time in the UFC. I like these fights,” said Lopes.
“An opportunity to show people what I’m capable of.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Diego Lopes above. He takes on Pat Sabatini at UFC 295 on Saturday.
