UFC featherweight title challenger Diego Lopes is a massive name in MMA now, but it wasn’t always that way as the featherweight reflected on his rise before facing Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 314 on Saturday night.
“I think after back-to-back losses I definitely didn’t imagine it and I don’t think anyone believed in me at that point,” Lopes told Cageside Press through a translator on Wednesday.
“Thankfully I listened to my manager, I listened to my brother Alessandro and kind of kept motivating myself to keep moving forward.”
UFC 314 marks the first time Lopes has fought in a five-round bout in the octagon. Volkanovski has fought in five such fights.
“I’m prepared for five rounds, but I prepared (to) finish the fight. I think no fighter’s prepared for five rounds. Everybody trains (to) finish the fight. This is my goal. Of course I prepared for five rounds, but my goal is (the) finish,” he said.
It’s been a wild near 3-year journey for the Brazilian who trains in Mexico. From a short-notice UFC debut bout against Movsar Evloev to a title fight in just 6 bouts is impressive.
“The crazy journey for this time. This week is the most important for my life because I have my whole team here with me. The energy for the team is so great. I feel amazing,” he said.
In his first title fight Lopes faces a feather weight legend and former champion in Volkanovski. The Australian won the 145 title against Max Holloway in 2019 before defending it four times. He eventually lost the title to Ilia Topuria last February.
“He’s going to try to take advantage of this last run for the title. He took some time off. I believe he’s going to come in his best shape to try to win the belt back,” he said.
“And be champion again.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Diego Lopes above. He takes on Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title at UFC 314 on Saturday night.
