Diego Lopes, a two-time UFC featherweight title challenger, is in a bit of a conundrum. He's considering a move to the lightweight division, despite his impressive resume in the featherweight category. Lopes' desire to move up to 155 pounds stems from his belief that there are exciting matchups for him in the top five or top six of the lightweight division, fights that align well with his style. This decision comes as he faces a challenging situation in the featherweight division, where the reigning champion, Alexander Volkanovski, has dominated with two title fight wins over Lopes. Lopes acknowledges the difficulty of securing another title shot against Volkanovski, who is a formidable opponent and a great champion for the division. He expresses a preference for Volkanovski to retire as champion, opening the door for the next generation of fighters, including Lopes himself.
Lopes' recent actions, such as volunteering to serve as the backup for the lightweight title bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, further highlight his ambition to move up in weight class. He weighed in twice for the event, making 146 pounds for his fight against Steve Garcia and later serving as a backup. Lopes' willingness to step up and his successful knockout of Garcia demonstrate his dedication and versatility as a fighter. However, his primary goal remains to compete at 155 pounds, where he believes he can showcase his skills against top opponents.
The Brazilian fighter's decision to move up in weight class is a strategic one, considering his current position in the featherweight division. Lopes mentions the possibility of facing Yair Rodriguez, a former opponent with a shared history, but the lack of recent updates on Rodriguez's status adds an element of uncertainty. Lopes' preference for the lightweight division is clear, and he is optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead. The UFC's plans and the potential for fights at 155 pounds are areas of interest for Lopes, who is eager to continue his successful career in a new weight class.
