Diego Lopes is pushing forward in his pursuit of UFC featherweight gold. UFC 308 showcased the intensity of the 145-pound division with an electrifying night of fights in Abu Dhabi. Champion Ilia Topuria closed the main event with a stunning finish against the legendary Max Holloway, delivering one of the most memorable performances in recent featherweight history. Earlier in the night, fellow featherweight contenders Lerone Murphy and Dan Ige battled, with Murphy extending his unbeaten streak to 16 fights. Cageside, Lopes and former champion Alexander Volkanovski watched closely, witnessing a night that reshaped the division’s landscape.
Volkanovski revealed during his appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show” that his visit to Abu Dhabi included a planned Octagon entry to congratulate Topuria, hoping to make his case as the next title challenger. Lopes, however, also made his presence felt throughout fight week as the backup for the main event, prepared to step in on short notice if necessary.
The Brazilian-Mexican contender came fully prepared, ready with strategies for either opponent. If called upon, this would have been his fourth fight in 2024, dating back to April, adding to his active winning streak. Crediting his nutritionist for his successful weight cuts, Lopes feels ready to continue taking opportunities whenever they present themselves.
Topuria’s win was especially notable for Lopes, who was surprised to see Holloway knocked out. “It was really impressive, but also shocking to see Max on the floor. I never thought I’d see it happen,” Lopes shared through a translator on “The Ariel Helwani Show.” According to Lopes, Holloway’s early fight strategy was solid, but he noted that Topuria’s aggressive style and power could lead to a knockout if given the chance to close the distance. “Max was my favorite going in because of his experience across weight classes, but Ilia really showed up,” Lopes admitted. This shocking result further motivates Lopes, who has moved quickly into the title conversation with his own momentum and winning streak.
Serving as the backup fighter indicates just how close Lopes is to a title shot, though such roles don’t always come with guarantees. Lightweight Mateusz Gamrot found himself in a similar position in October 2023, only to be bypassed in favor of Volkanovski. Lopes, 29, understands that the landscape at featherweight is dynamic, especially with Volkanovski in the mix. “We were never promised a title shot,” Lopes said. “We agreed to be the backup, but we’re definitely going to try to earn that title shot.”
The dynamics may shift further depending on Topuria’s timeline. Following the Abu Dhabi fight, Topuria expressed a desire to take some time off, and the UFC is working on arranging his next defense in Spain. This delay could create a gap for an interim title bout, something Lopes sees as the perfect opportunity to face Volkanovski, who has long suggested the two should square off. “It would make the most sense for me to fight ‘Volk’ in Sydney [in February] for the interim title. ‘Volk’ has always suggested this. I’ve already agreed. Let’s just do it.”
Volkanovski himself expressed on Monday that February might be too soon for Topuria to make UFC 312 in Australia, leaving the door open for a bout with Lopes. Given his No. 3 ranking, Lopes would face a downward matchup if he took on anyone outside of Volkanovski or Holloway, and he’s willing to travel to Sydney to make the fight happen. “Volk is a legend. He’s done it for a long time, but it’s time to bring freshness to the division,” Lopes remarked, confident in his skill and readiness to bring new energy to the featherweight ranks.
However, Lopes may also have a choice to make, as a potential UFC return to Mexico in February could provide a different opportunity. Fighting on home turf would be a first for Lopes in the UFC, though he originally rose to prominence on the Mexican regional scene as LUX Fight League champion before landing a UFC shot via the Contender Series in 2021. Despite his eagerness for the Volkanovski fight, Lopes and his team may consider a Mexican appearance if it aligns with UFC plans.
Obviously, we think the Volkanovski fight makes the most sense to get us on track for a title shot. But if UFC has another idea for a fight in Mexico City, we’ll weigh our options with management,” Lopes explained. The matchup with Volkanovski remains his top priority, but he acknowledges the importance of assessing all paths that lead closer to the title. “If the UFC says we need to wait for a title shot, we’ll wait. If they want us in an interim bout with Volkanovski, that’s a conversation we’ll have to have.”
Ultimately, Lopes and his team are chasing the current featherweight champion, and Lopes remains undeterred by the challenge. “We know watching Ilia’s fights that he’s very forward and likes to create pressure,” Lopes said, noting the similarities in their fighting styles. “I also like to create pressure, and we both have heavy hands. It would be a great fight, and any one of us could drop at any moment because of that.”
As Lopes’s reputation grows and his track record as an active fighter gains attention, he’s proved himself as a reliable competitor in the UFC, willing to step up when needed. With his sights on UFC gold, Lopes is prepared for whatever comes next — whether that means a title shot, an interim bout, or a battle with a top contender like Volkanovski. Confident in his ability to rise to any challenge, Lopes stands ready for a defining fight that could elevate him further in the featherweight division.
