Diego Lopes has his eyes set on UFC gold and a chance to avenge his prior loss. If Diego Lopes captures the vacant featherweight title in the UFC 314 against Alexander Volkanovski, his first order of business will be to address his lone octagon defeat. Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) enters his first championship opportunity against Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) in the April 12 headliner at Kaseya Center in Miami.
With a five-fight winning streak, Lopes is confident, but he hasn’t forgotten his promotional debut loss to Movsar Evloev by decision at UFC 288 in May 2023. Evloev (19-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) holds an undefeated record, making him a deserving contender. Lopes intends to give him an overdue crack at gold so he can avenge the loss in his first defense. This article dives into Lopes’s aspirations, his focus on Volkanovski, and his dream of a title defense in Mexico.
Lopes’s Title Aspirations and the Evloev Rematch
Diego Lopes is laser-focused on his upcoming fight against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 314, but he also has a clear vision for his future. Winning the featherweight title is not just a personal achievement for Lopes; it’s a stepping stone towards settling an old score. Lopes is determined to secure a rematch with Movsar Evloev, the only fighter to defeat him in the UFC.
Lopes acknowledges the significance of this fight, stating, “Of course, this fight for me is important because this guy beat me in the past. But now it’s different. It’s different things. I’m at the top, and this guy, too. Maybe we’ll fight for the title. I’m so excited for the next step, but my focus is on Volkanovski. I win the belt and I will ask the UFC for the fight with Movsar.”
Evloev’s undefeated record makes him a top contender, and Lopes sees their potential title fight as an opportunity to prove how much he has evolved since their first encounter. The rematch would not only be a chance for Lopes to avenge his loss but also to solidify his position as the featherweight champion.
The Perfect Timeline: Noche UFC in Mexico
Diego Lopes has a special connection to Mexico, having lived and trained there for over a decade. He sees Noche UFC, which will take place in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Sept. 13, as the ideal stage for his first title defense. Lopes wants to bring the excitement of a championship fight to his adopted home and share the experience with his Mexican supporters.
Lopes emphasizes his desire to compete at Noche UFC, stating, “One hundred percent, this is my goal: Win the fight next week and I will ask the UFC for the fight in Guadalajara. For me, to defend the title in Guadalajara, Mexico, is special for me, because I’ve lived in Mexico for 10 years. I live in Guadalajara. I have so much people in Guadalajara support me. One hundred percent, I will fight to defend the belt in September.”
Whether his opponent is Evloev or another top contender, Lopes is committed to fighting at Noche UFC and delivering a memorable performance for his Mexican fans. This event holds deep personal significance for Lopes, and he is determined to make it a milestone in his career.
Volkanovski Remains the Priority
While Diego Lopes has his sights set on a potential rematch with Movsar Evloev, he remains fully focused on the challenge ahead: Alexander Volkanovski. Lopes understands that he must first overcome the former champion to realize his other aspirations.
Lopes is not underestimating Volkanovski, acknowledging his experience and skills. He knows that winning the featherweight title will require a top-notch performance. “My focus is on Volkanovski,” Lopes insists. “I win the belt and I will ask the UFC for the fight with Movsar.”
Lopes is approaching the Volkanovski fight with the utmost seriousness and dedication. He is studying Volkanovski’s past performances, honing his skills, and preparing himself mentally and physically for the battle. Lopes is determined to leave no stone unturned in his quest for victory.
Potential Impact of the Rematch
A rematch between Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev for the featherweight title has the potential to be a major event in the MMA world. Their first fight was a closely contested battle, and a second fight with the title on the line would generate significant buzz and excitement.
The styles of Lopes and Evloev match up well, promising a compelling and action-packed fight. Lopes is known for his aggressive striking and submission attempts, while Evloev is a skilled wrestler with a strong top game. The clash of these styles would likely produce a dynamic and unpredictable contest.
Beyond the entertainment value, a Lopes-Evloev rematch would also have significant implications for the featherweight division. The winner would establish themselves as the undisputed champion and set the stage for future title defenses against other top contenders. This fight could shape the landscape of the division for years to come.
Conclusion
Diego Lopes’s journey to UFC 314 is filled with ambition and determination. Capturing the featherweight title against Alexander Volkanovski would be a monumental achievement, but Lopes is already looking ahead to the possibility of avenging his loss to Movsar Evloev.
His desire to defend the title in Mexico adds another layer of significance to his quest. Lopes’s story is one of perseverance, resilience, and a deep connection to his adopted home. As he prepares for the biggest fight of his career, Lopes carries the hopes and dreams of his Mexican supporters with him. The MMA world will be watching to see if he can realize his championship aspirations and set the stage for a highly anticipated rematch.
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