Diego Lopes (fighter)

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Diego Lopes
BornDiego Lopes da Silva
(1994-12-30) 30 December 1994 (age 29)
Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
Residence Puebla, Mexico
Height5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight145 lb (66 kg; 10 st 5 lb)
Division Featherweight
Reach72.5 in (184 cm) [1]
Stance Orthodox
Fighting out of Puebla, Mexico
TeamLobo Gym MMA
Brazilian Warriors Central
TrainerFrancisco Grasso
RankBlack belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu [2]
Years active2012–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total32
Wins26
By knockout10
By submission12
By decision4
Losses6
By knockout2
By decision4
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Diego Lopes da Silva [3] (born 30 December 1994) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of 17 September 2024, he is #3 in UFC featherweight rankings. [4]

Contents

Background

Born and raised in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, Lopes began training Brazilian jiu-jitsu at a young age, as it was a tradition in his family to fight. He quickly began competing at the age of 7. At 16 he received his purple belt and soon after transitioned into MMA. [5]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Lopes began his professional MMA career in September 2012 in his home country of Brazil, making an immediate impact with a victory in his debut fight. Over the course of his next seven bouts, Lopes built a solid record of five wins and two losses, showcasing his potential as a rising talent in the sport.

At just 19, Lopes' career took a pivotal turn when his jiu-jitsu instructor offered him an opportunity to teach in Mexico. Seizing the chance to further his training and career, Lopes relocated to Mexico and began teaching Brazilian jiu-jitsu while refining his own skills. This move proved to be a crucial development, not only in his fighting career but also in his life, as it allowed him to continue evolving as both a fighter and a coach.

After establishing himself in Mexico, Lopes resumed his fighting career, determined to rise through the ranks and solidify his place in the competitive world of mixed martial arts. [5]

After competing in multiple promotions in Mexico, Lopes was invited to face Joanderson Brito at Dana White's Contender Series 37 on 31 August 2021. He lost the bout via technical decision. [6]

After three more fights in other promotions, Lopes was eventually signed by the UFC. [7]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Making his UFC debut on five days' notice, [8] Lopes faced Movsar Evloev on 6 May 2023 at UFC 288, replacing Bryce Mitchell. [9] He lost the bout via unanimous decision. [10] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award. [11]

Lopes faced Gavin Tucker on 5 August 2023 at UFC on ESPN 50. He won the bout via armbar in the first round. [12] This victory earned him his first Performance of the Night award. [13]

Lopes faced Pat Sabatini on 11 November 2023 at UFC 295. [14] He won the bout by TKO in the first round. [15] This victory earned him his second Performance of the Night award. [16]

Lopes faced Sodiq Yusuff on 13 April 2024 at UFC 300. [17] After landing two knockdowns, Lopes won by technical knockout in the second minute of the first round. [18] Based on jumping the cage after winning the fight, the NAC withheld $5,000 of his $100,000 payout. [19] On 31 May 2024, NAC decided to fine Lopes $2,500 and $157.04 legal fees instead. NAC executive director Jeff Mullen indicated UFC CEO Dana White would pay Lopes’ fine since Lopes asked White permission to jump over the fence. [20]

Lopes was scheduled to face Brian Ortega in a lightweight bout on 29 June 2024, at UFC 303. [21] The bout was originally scheduled for featherweight, but was changed a day before weigh-ins due to weight cutting issues from Ortega. [22] Subsequently, the day of the event, Ortega withdrew from the fight due to illness, and was replaced on a few hours notice by Dan Ige, at a catchweight of 165 pounds. [23] Lopes won the bout against Ige by unanimous decision. [24]

The bout with Brian Ortega was rebooked and eventually took place on 14 September 2024 at UFC 306. [25] Lopes won the fight by unanimous decision. [26]

Lopes served as the backup and potential replacement for the UFC Featherweight Championship bout between champion Ilia Topuria and former champion Max Holloway on October 26, 2024 at UFC 308. [27]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
32 matches26 wins6 losses
By knockout102
By submission120
By decision44
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Win26–6 Brian Ortega Decision (unanimous) UFC 306 September 14, 202435:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win25–6 Dan Ige Decision (unanimous) UFC 303 June 29, 202435:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesCatchweight (165 lb) bout.
Win24–6 Sodiq Yusuff TKO (punches) UFC 300 April 13, 202411:29 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win23–6 Pat Sabatini KO (punches) UFC 295 November 11, 202311:30 New York City, New York, United StatesPerformance of the Night.
Win22–6 Gavin Tucker Submission (armbar) UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Font August 5, 202311:38 Nashville, Tennessee, United StatesPerformance of the Night.
Loss21–6 Movsar Evloev Decision (unanimous) UFC 288 May 6, 202335:00 Newark, New Jersey, United StatesFight of the Night.
Win21–5Ángel RodríguezTKO (punches)LUX Fight League 28November 18, 202220:40 Monterrey, Mexico
Win20–5Kenn GlennKO (punches)Fury FC 57February 11, 202234:39 Humble, Texas, United States
Loss19–5Nate RichardsonDecision (split)Fury FC 52October 17, 202155:00 Houston, Texas, United StatesFor the Fury FC Featherweight Championship.
Loss19–4Joanderson BritoTechnical Decision (unanimous) Dana White's Contender Series 37 August 31, 202130:10 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesBrito was deducted one point in round 3 due to an eye poke which rendered Lopes unable to continue.
Win19–3Masio FullenSubmission (armbar)LUX Fight League 12March 12, 202133:06 Monterrey, MexicoDefended the LUX Fight League Featherweight Championship.
Win18–3 Marco Beltrán Submission (kneebar)LUX Fight League 7November 29, 201911:35 Monterrey, MexicoWon the LUX Fight League Featherweight Championship.
Win17–3Alejandro Solano RodríguezDecision (unanimous)LUX Fight League 6August 30, 201955:00 Monterrey, Mexico
Win16–3 Rony Jason Decision (unanimous)LUX Fight League 4March 15, 201935:00 Mexico City, Mexico
Win15–3Luis GuerreroSubmission (armbar)LUX Fight League 3October 5, 201812:48 Mexico City, Mexico
Win14–3Rogelio MenesesTKO (punches)Rock Fighting League 2August 17, 201813:31 Epazoyucan, Mexico
Win13–3Antonio HernándezSubmission (armbar)Xtreme Fighters Latino 38June 1, 201811:21 Mexico City, MexicoWon the XFL Featherweight Championship.
Loss12–3Amir ElzhurkaevKO (punches) ACB 78: Young Eagles 24 January 13, 201823:06 Grozny, RussiaBantamweight bout.
Win12–2Issac RuelasSubmission (rear-naked choke)Jasaji Fighting League 17September 23, 201712:23 Mexico City, MexicoWon the JFL Featherweight Championship.
Win11–2Raúl Najera OcampoTKO (punches)Xtreme Fighters Latino 34April 21, 201713:37 Mexico City, Mexico
Win10–2Carlos Enrique CañadaSubmission (rear-naked choke)Jasaji Fighting League 15March 18, 201713:37 Mexico City, MexicoCatchweight (150 lb) bout.
Win9–2Paul Márquez MorenoSubmission (armbar)Jasaji Fighting League 14November 26, 201614:46 Mexico City, Mexico
Win8–2Luis TorresTKO (punches)Coatza Fight Night 5April 16, 201611:15 Coatzacoalcos, MexicoReturn to Featherweight.
Win7–2Gilberto PantojaSubmission (triangle choke)Elite Fight Night 1September 19, 201522:19 São Paulo, BrazilBantamweight bout.
Win6–2Duda SalesSubmission (heel hook)Thunder Fight 3April 11, 201513:42 São Paulo, BrazilBantamweight bout.
Win5–2José Roberto dos SantosTKO (retirement)MMA Super Heroes 7November 15, 201412:28 São Paulo, BrazilCatchweight (132 lb) bout.
Win4–2Isaque SilvaSubmission (rear-naked choke)Pro Fight MMA Brazil 11July 27, 201422:44 São Paulo, Brazil
Loss3–2Rodrigo PraiaTKO (punches)It's Time Combat 4April 16, 20142N/A Manaus, Brazil
Loss3–1Thiago SilvaDecision (split)Big Way Fight 3November 8, 201335:00 Manaus, Brazil
Win3–0Luiz SilvaSubmission (armbar)It's Time Combat 3July 13, 20131N/A Manaus, Brazil
Win2–0Raniel da CostaTKO (punches)It's Time Combat 2February 1, 20132N/A Manaus, Brazil
Win1–0Francivaldo ArauvoTKO (punches)It's Time Combat 1September 8, 20122N/A Manaus, Brazil

[29]

See also

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References

  1. ↑ "Stats | UFC". ufcstats.com. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  2. ↑ "Diego Lopes | UFC". UFC.com. 30 August 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  3. ↑ Harkness, Ryan (26 April 2024). "NAC to discuss 'withholding purse' of UFC 300 fighters Tsarukyan, Lopes". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  4. ↑ "UFC Rankings - The Official UFC App - UFC.com". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  5. 1 2 Segura, Danny (6 May 2021). "Meet Diego Lopes: UFC hopeful and one of Latin America's brightest prospects". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  6. ↑ Segura, Danny (15 March 2023). "Diego Lopes still hopeful of UFC opportunity: I'm 'a completely different fighter' than the one from Contender Series". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  7. ↑ Martin, Damon (29 December 2023). "MMA Fighting's 2023 Rookie of the Year: Diego Lopes". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  8. ↑ "UFC 288 bonuses: Taking fight on five days' notice got Diego Lopes an extra $50,000". MMA Junkie. 7 May 2023. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  9. ↑ Lee, Alexander K. (2 May 2023). "Bryce Mitchell out of UFC 288, Diego Lopes steps in to fight Movsar Evloev". MMA Fighting. Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  10. ↑ Bitter, Shawn (6 May 2023). "UFC 288: Movsar Evloev Wins Decision Over Game Diego Lopes". Cageside Press. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  11. 1 2 "Bonus Time! Frevola Cashes In For Dober TKO". www.mmamania.com. 7 May 2023. Archived from the original on 7 May 2023. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
  12. ↑ Erickson, Matt (5 August 2023). "Diego Lopes shines with rare finish of Gavin Tucker at UFC on ESPN 50". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  13. 1 2 Erickson, Matt (6 August 2023). "UFC on ESPN 50 bonuses: Tatiana Suarez among five $50,000 'Music City' winners". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  14. ↑ Calhoun, Curtis (15 September 2023). "Top Prospect Diego Lopes Signs New UFC Deal, Octagon Return Booked". MMA News | UFC News, Results and Interviews. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  15. ↑ Morehouse, Cade (11 November 2023). "UFC 295: Diego Lopes Ends Pat Sabatini's Night Early". Cageside Press. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  16. 1 2 "UFC 295 bonuses: Seven pick up extra $50K on finish-heavy New York show". MMA Junkie. 12 November 2023. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  17. ↑ "Diego Lopes vs. Sodiq Yusuff joins stacked UFC 300 lineup". MMA Junkie. 24 January 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  18. ↑ Dewar, Val (14 April 2024). "UFC 300: Diego Lopes Continues Rise, TKOs Sodiq Yusuff". Cageside Press. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  19. ↑ "Arman Tsarukyan & Diego Lopes Face UFC 300 Repercussions; Fighter Fined for Infamous Bite". MMA Knockout. 30 April 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  20. ↑ "Diego Lopes' Dana White-approved UFC 300 fence-hopping fine reduced to $2,500". MMA Junkie. 31 May 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  21. ↑ "UFC 303: Diego Lopes vs. Brian Ortega added, Anthony Smith replaces Jamahal Hill vs. Carlos Ulberg". sports.yahoo.com. 13 June 2024.
  22. ↑ "UFC 303 weigh-ins video: Brian Ortega, Diego Lopes hit marks for newly agreed-to lightweight co-main". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. 28 June 2024.
  23. ↑ Nolan King (29 June 2024). "Dan Ige replaces Brian Ortega in shocking 11th-hour UFC 303 co-main event change vs. Diego Lopes". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  24. ↑ Jay Anderson (30 June 2024). "Dan Ige Steps Up, Diego Lopes Wins Decision in Unexpected UFC 303 Co-Headliner". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  25. ↑ Nolan King (26 July 2024). "Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes rebooked for Noche UFC at Sphere". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  26. ↑ Patrick McCorry (14 September 2024). "UFC 306: Diego Lopes Earns Biggest Win Yet, Decisions Brian Ortega". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
  27. ↑ Jed Meshew (27 September 2024). "Diego Lopes to serve as backup fighter for UFC 308 title fight between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  28. ↑ Thomas Gerbasi (19 December 2023). "The Newcomers - 2023 UFC.com Awards". Ultimate Fighting Championship .
  29. ↑ "Diego Lopes". Sherdog. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
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