Diego Lopes (fighter)

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Diego Lopes
Diego Lopes 2025.jpg
Lopes in 2025
BornDiego Lopes da Silva
(1994-12-30) 30 December 1994 (age 30)
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
Total34
Wins27
By knockout11
By submission12
By decision4
Losses7
By knockout2
By decision5
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Diego Lopes da Silva [3] (born 30 December 1994) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional since 2012, Lopes previously competed in the Mexican MMA promotion LUX Fight League, where he was a former LUX Featherweight Champion. [4] As of 15 July 2025, he is #2 in the UFC featherweight rankings. [5]

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. [6]

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. [6]

LUX Fight League

Lopes debuted in the LUX Fight League promotion on 5 October 2018, facing Luis Guerrero at the LUX 003 event. He won the fight via first-round submission. [7]

After two more unanimous decision wins over Rony Jason and Alejandro Solano Rodríguez, Lopes had the opportunity to face then-featherweight champion Marco Beltrán. [8] The fight took place on 29 November 2019, at LUX 007, where Lopes dethroned Beltrán's reign after defeating him via kneebar submission in the first round. [9]

On 12 March 2021, he made his first and only title defence against Masio Fullen at LUX 012. He won the fight via submission after applying an armbar. [10]

Dana White's Contender Series

After competing in LUX, 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. [11] Lopes was eventually signed by the UFC. [12]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Making his UFC debut on five days' notice, [13] Lopes faced Movsar Evloev on 6 May 2023 at UFC 288, replacing Bryce Mitchell. [14] He lost the bout via unanimous decision. [15] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award. [16]

Lopes faced Gavin Tucker on 5 August 2023 at UFC on ESPN 50. He won the bout via armbar in the first round. [17] This victory earned him his first Performance of the Night award. [18]

Lopes faced Pat Sabatini on 11 November 2023 at UFC 295. [19] He won the bout by TKO in the first round. [20] This victory earned him his second Performance of the Night award. [21]

Lopes faced Sodiq Yusuff on 13 April 2024 at UFC 300. [22] After landing two knockdowns, Lopes won by technical knockout in the second minute of the first round. [23] Based on jumping the cage after winning the fight, the NAC withheld $5,000 of his $100,000 payout. [24] 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. [25]

Lopes was scheduled to face Brian Ortega in a lightweight bout on 29 June 2024, at UFC 303. [26] The bout was originally scheduled for featherweight, but was changed a day before weigh-ins due to weight cutting issues from Ortega. [27] 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. [28] Lopes won the bout against Ige by unanimous decision. [29]

The bout with Brian Ortega was rebooked and eventually took place on 14 September 2024 at UFC 306. [30] Lopes won the fight by unanimous decision. [31]

Lopes served as the backup and potential replacement for the UFC Featherweight Championship bout between champion Ilia Topuria and former champion Max Holloway on 26 October 2024 at UFC 308. [32]

Lopes was reportedly scheduled to face Yair Rodríguez on 29 March 2025, at UFC on ESPN 64. [33] However, Lopes later denied the fight was ever scheduled. [34]

Lopes competed for the vacant UFC Featherweight Championship against former champion Alexander Volkanovski in the main event on 12 April 2025 at UFC 314. [35] He lost the fight by unanimous decision. [36] This fight earned him another Fight of the Night award. [37]

Lopes faced Jean Silva in the main event on 13 September 2025 at UFC Fight Night 259. [38] He won the fight by technical knockout with a spinning elbow and punches to follow in the second round. [39] This fight earned him a Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night award totaling $100,000. [40]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Philanthropy

Lopes launched a non-profit jiu-jitsu academy for underprivileged children called "Brazilian Warriors" in Puebla, Mexico. [49]

When I first started training, I had nothing. Now that I have support, sponsors and people behind me. I want to give back the things I did not have when I first started..... This program offers support to kids. [49]

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
34 matches27 wins7 losses
By knockout112
By submission120
By decision45
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Win27–7 Jean Silva TKO (spinning back elbow and punches) UFC Fight Night: Lopes vs. Silva 13 September 202524:48 San Antonio, Texas, United StatesPerformance of the Night. Fight of the Night.
Loss26–7 Alexander Volkanovski Decision (unanimous) UFC 314 12 April 202555:00 Miami, Florida, United StatesFor the vacant UFC Featherweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win26–6 Brian Ortega Decision (unanimous) UFC 306 14 September 202435:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win25–6 Dan Ige Decision (unanimous) UFC 303 29 June 202435:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesCatchweight (165 lb) bout.
Win24–6 Sodiq Yusuff TKO (punches) UFC 300 13 April 202411:29 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win23–6 Pat Sabatini KO (punches) UFC 295 11 November 202311:30 New York City, New York, United StatesPerformance of the Night.
Win22–6 Gavin Tucker Submission (armbar) UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Font 5 August 202311:38 Nashville, Tennessee, United StatesPerformance of the Night.
Loss21–6 Movsar Evloev Decision (unanimous) UFC 288 6 May 202335:00 Newark, New Jersey, United StatesFight of the Night.
Win21–5Ángel RodríguezTKO (punches)LUX 02818 November 202220:40 Monterrey, Mexico
Win20–5Kenn GlennKO (punches)Fury FC 5711 February 202234:39 Humble, Texas, United States
Loss19–5Nate RichardsonDecision (split)Fury FC 5217 October 202155:00 Houston, Texas, United StatesFor the Fury FC Featherweight Championship.
Loss19–4Joanderson BritoTechnical Decision (unanimous) Dana White's Contender Series 37 31 August 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 01212 March 202133:06 Monterrey, MexicoDefended the LUX Featherweight Championship.
Win18–3 Marco Beltrán Submission (kneebar)LUX 00729 November 201911:35 Monterrey, MexicoDefended the LUX Featherweight Championship.
Win17–3Alejandro Solano RodríguezDecision (unanimous)LUX 00630 August 201955:00 Monterrey, MexicoWon the LUX Featherweight Championship.
Win16–3 Rony Jason Decision (unanimous)LUX 00415 March 201935:00 Mexico City, Mexico
Win15–3Luis GuerreroSubmission (armbar)LUX 0035 October 201812:48 Mexico City, Mexico
Win14–3Rogelio MenesesTKO (punches)Roca Fighting League 217 August 201813:31 Epazoyucan, Mexico
Win13–3Antonio HernándezSubmission (armbar)Xtreme Fighters Latino 381 June 201811:21 Mexico City, MexicoWon the vacant XFL Featherweight Championship.
Loss12–3Amir ElzhurkaevKO (punches) ACB 78: Young Eagles 24 13 January 201823:06 Grozny, RussiaBantamweight bout.
Win12–2Issac RuelasSubmission (rear-naked choke)Jasaji Fighting League 1723 September 201712:23 Mexico City, MexicoWon the vacant JFL Featherweight Championship.
Win11–2Raúl Najera OcampoTKO (punches)Xtreme Fighters Latino 3421 April 201713:37 Mexico City, Mexico
Win10–2Carlos Enrique CañadaSubmission (rear-naked choke)Jasaji Fighting League 1518 March 201713:37 Mexico City, MexicoCatchweight (150 lb) bout.
Win9–2Paul Márquez MorenoSubmission (armbar)Jasaji Fighting League 1426 November 201614:46 Mexico City, Mexico
Win8–2Luis TorresTKO (punches)Coatza Fight Night 516 April 201611:15 Coatzacoalcos, MexicoReturn to Featherweight.
Win7–2Gilberto PantojaSubmission (triangle choke)Elite Fight Night 119 September 201522:19 São Paulo, Brazil
Win6–2Duda SalesSubmission (heel hook)Thunder Fight 311 April 201513:42 São Paulo, BrazilBantamweight debut.
Win5–2José Roberto dos SantosTKO (retirement)MMA Super Heroes 715 November 201412:28 São Paulo, BrazilCatchweight (132 lb) bout.
Win4–2Isaque SilvaSubmission (rear-naked choke)Pro Fight MMA Brazil 1127 July 201422:44 São Paulo, Brazil
Loss3–2Rodrigo PraiaTKO (punches)It's Time Combat 416 April 20142N/A Manaus, Brazil
Loss3–1Thiago SilvaDecision (split)Big Way Fight 38 November 201335:00 Manaus, Brazil
Win3–0Luiz SilvaSubmission (armbar)It's Time Combat 313 July 20131N/A Manaus, Brazil
Win2–0Raniel da CostaTKO (punches)It's Time Combat 21 February 20132N/A Manaus, Brazil
Win1–0Francivaldo ArauvoTKO (punches)It's Time Combat 18 September 20122N/A Manaus, BrazilFeatherweight debut.

[50]

Pay-per-view bouts

No.EventFightDateVenueCityPPV Buys
1. UFC 314 Volkanovski vs. LopesApril 12, 2025 Kaseya Center Miami, Florida, United StatesNot Disclosed [51]

See also

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. ↑ Riggs, Drake (11 August 2021). "Diego Lopes ready but patient for UFC call, proud to demonstrate Mexico's talent" . Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  5. ↑ "UFC Rankings - The Official UFC App - UFC.com". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
  6. 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.
  7. ↑ "LUX 003: Diego Lopes vs. Luis Guerrero". Tapology. 5 October 2018.
  8. ↑ "Marco Beltrán ante Diego Lopes: la pelea Champ vs. Champ de LUX". mma.uno. 29 November 2019.
  9. ↑ "Campeón solo hay uno: Diego Lopes". ESTO en Linea. 30 November 2019.
  10. ↑ "Diego Lopes brilla y retiene el título ante Masio Fullen". El Rocktagono. 13 March 2021.
  11. ↑ 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.
  12. ↑ Martin, Damon (29 December 2023). "MMA Fighting's 2023 Rookie of the Year: Diego Lopes". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  13. ↑ "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.
  14. ↑ 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.
  15. ↑ Bitter, Shawn (6 May 2023). "UFC 288: Movsar Evloev Wins Decision Over Game Diego Lopes". Cageside Press. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  16. 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.
  17. ↑ 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.
  18. 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.
  19. ↑ 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.
  20. ↑ Morehouse, Cade (11 November 2023). "UFC 295: Diego Lopes Ends Pat Sabatini's Night Early". Cageside Press. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  21. 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.
  22. ↑ "Diego Lopes vs. Sodiq Yusuff joins stacked UFC 300 lineup". MMA Junkie. 24 January 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  23. ↑ Dewar, Val (14 April 2024). "UFC 300: Diego Lopes Continues Rise, TKOs Sodiq Yusuff". Cageside Press. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  24. ↑ "Arman Tsarukyan & Diego Lopes Face UFC 300 Repercussions; Fighter Fined for Infamous Bite". MMA Knockout. 30 April 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  25. ↑ "Diego Lopes' Dana White-approved UFC 300 fence-hopping fine reduced to $2,500". MMA Junkie. 31 May 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  26. ↑ "UFC 303: Diego Lopes vs. Brian Ortega added, Anthony Smith replaces Jamahal Hill vs. Carlos Ulberg". sports.yahoo.com. 13 June 2024.
  27. ↑ "UFC 303 weigh-ins video: Brian Ortega, Diego Lopes hit marks for newly agreed-to lightweight co-main". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. 28 June 2024.
  28. ↑ 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.
  29. ↑ 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.
  30. ↑ Nolan King (26 July 2024). "Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes rebooked for Noche UFC at Sphere". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  31. ↑ Patrick McCorry (14 September 2024). "UFC 306: Diego Lopes Earns Biggest Win Yet, Decisions Brian Ortega". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
  32. ↑ 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.
  33. ↑ "Report - Diego Lopes Books Headliner Fight Against Yair Rodriguez At UFC Mexico City In March". www.lowkickmma.com. 10 January 2025. Retrieved 10 January 2025.
  34. ↑ Farah Hannoun (7 February 2025). "Diego Lopes dismisses Yair Rodriguez rumors, wants Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 314". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
  35. ↑ Nolan King (19 February 2025). "UFC 314 headlined by Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes title bout with Ilia Topuria vacating". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
  36. ↑ Eddie Law (13 April 2025). "Alexander Volkanovski Becomes Two-Time Champion, Decisions Lopes". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  37. 1 2 Andrew Richardson (13 April 2025). "Bonuses! Jean Silva cashes extra $50k for dog walking Bryce Mitchell - UFC 314". mmamania.com. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  38. ↑ Martin, Damon (24 June 2025). "Diego Lopes vs. Jean Silva booked as main event for latest Noche UFC". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
  39. ↑ Eddie Law (13 September 2025). "Diego Lopes Goes To War With Silva, Takes Win By TKO". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
  40. 1 2 3 Chris Taylor (13 September 2025). "Noche UFC 3 Bonus Report: Diego Lopes takes home two bonuses". bjpenn.com. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
  41. ↑ Thomas Gerbasi (19 December 2023). "The Newcomers - 2023 UFC.com Awards". Ultimate Fighting Championship .
  42. ↑ UFC Staff (21 December 2023). "The Submissions - 2023 UFC.com Awards". Ultimate Fighting Championship .
  43. ↑ "The Fighters | 2024 UFC.com Awards | UFC". www.ufc.com. 20 December 2024. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  44. ↑ Tucker, Bryan (5 December 2024). "World MMA Awards 2024 results". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  45. ↑ "MMA 2024 awards: Alex Pereira and Max Holloway shine". ESPN.com. 16 December 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  46. ↑ Meshew, Jed (6 January 2024). "MMA's 2023 All-Star Team: Who were the most violent fighters in each weight class last year?". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  47. ↑ Meshew, Jed (24 December 2024). "2024 MMA All-Star Team: Who were the most violent fighters in each weight class this year?". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  48. ↑ Alexander, Brady (9 December 2024). "2024 BodySlam MMA Year-End Awards". Bodyslam.net. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
  49. 1 2 Sherdog.com. "Diego Lopes Opens Non-Profit Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Mexico". Sherdog. Retrieved 9 September 2025.
  50. ↑ "Diego Lopes". Sherdog. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  51. ↑ "UFC 314: Volkanovski vs. Lopes | MMA Event". Tapology.
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