Diego Lopes (fighter)

For the footballer, see Diego Lopes (footballer).
For other uses, see Diego López (disambiguation).

Diego Lopes
BornDiego Lopes da Silva
(1994-12-30) 30 December 1994 (age 29)
Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
ResidencePuebla, Mexico
Height5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight145 lb (66 kg; 10 st 5 lb)
DivisionFeatherweight
Reach72.5 in (184 cm)[1]
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofPuebla, 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]

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 matches 26 wins 6 losses
By knockout 10 2
By submission 12 0
By decision 4 4
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 26–6 Brian Ortega Decision (unanimous) UFC 306 September 14, 2024 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 25–6 Dan Ige Decision (unanimous) UFC 303 June 29, 2024 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Catchweight (165 lb) bout.
Win 24–6 Sodiq Yusuff TKO (punches) UFC 300 April 13, 2024 1 1:29 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 23–6 Pat Sabatini KO (punches) UFC 295 November 11, 2023 1 1:30 New York City, New York, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 22–6 Gavin Tucker Submission (armbar) UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Font August 5, 2023 1 1:38 Nashville, Tennessee, United States Performance of the Night.
Loss 21–6 Movsar Evloev Decision (unanimous) UFC 288 May 6, 2023 3 5:00 Newark, New Jersey, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 21–5 Ángel Rodríguez TKO (punches) LUX Fight League 28 November 18, 2022 2 0:40 Monterrey, Mexico
Win 20–5 Kenn Glenn KO (punches) Fury FC 57 February 11, 2022 3 4:39 Humble, Texas, United States
Loss 19–5 Nate Richardson Decision (split) Fury FC 52 October 17, 2021 5 5:00 Houston, Texas, United States For the Fury FC Featherweight Championship.
Loss 19–4 Joanderson Brito Technical Decision (unanimous) Dana White's Contender Series 37 August 31, 2021 3 0:10 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Brito was deducted one point in round 3 due to an eye poke which rendered Lopes unable to continue.
Win 19–3 Masio Fullen Submission (armbar) LUX Fight League 12 March 12, 2021 3 3:06 Monterrey, Mexico Defended the LUX Fight League Featherweight Championship.
Win 18–3 Marco Beltrán Submission (kneebar) LUX Fight League 7 November 29, 2019 1 1:35 Monterrey, Mexico Won the LUX Fight League Featherweight Championship.
Win 17–3 Alejandro Solano Rodríguez Decision (unanimous) LUX Fight League 6 August 30, 2019 5 5:00 Monterrey, Mexico
Win 16–3 Rony Jason Decision (unanimous) LUX Fight League 4 March 15, 2019 3 5:00 Mexico City, Mexico
Win 15–3 Luis Guerrero Submission (armbar) LUX Fight League 3 October 5, 2018 1 2:48 Mexico City, Mexico
Win 14–3 Rogelio Meneses TKO (punches) Rock Fighting League 2 August 17, 2018 1 3:31 Epazoyucan, Mexico
Win 13–3 Antonio Hernández Submission (armbar) Xtreme Fighters Latino 38 June 1, 2018 1 1:21 Mexico City, Mexico Won the XFL Featherweight Championship.
Loss 12–3 Amir Elzhurkaev KO (punches) ACB 78: Young Eagles 24 January 13, 2018 2 3:06 Grozny, Russia Bantamweight bout.
Win 12–2 Issac Ruelas Submission (rear-naked choke) Jasaji Fighting League 17 September 23, 2017 1 2:23 Mexico City, Mexico Won the JFL Featherweight Championship.
Win 11–2 Raúl Najera Ocampo TKO (punches) Xtreme Fighters Latino 34 April 21, 2017 1 3:37 Mexico City, Mexico
Win 10–2 Carlos Enrique Cañada Submission (rear-naked choke) Jasaji Fighting League 15 March 18, 2017 1 3:37 Mexico City, Mexico Catchweight (150 lb) bout.
Win 9–2 Paul Márquez Moreno Submission (armbar) Jasaji Fighting League 14 November 26, 2016 1 4:46 Mexico City, Mexico
Win 8–2 Luis Torres TKO (punches) Coatza Fight Night 5 April 16, 2016 1 1:15 Coatzacoalcos, Mexico Return to Featherweight.
Win 7–2 Gilberto Pantoja Submission (triangle choke) Elite Fight Night 1 September 19, 2015 2 2:19 São Paulo, Brazil Bantamweight bout.
Win 6–2 Duda Sales Submission (heel hook) Thunder Fight 3 April 11, 2015 1 3:42 São Paulo, Brazil Bantamweight bout.
Win 5–2 José Roberto dos Santos TKO (retirement) MMA Super Heroes 7 November 15, 2014 1 2:28 São Paulo, Brazil Catchweight (132 lb) bout.
Win 4–2 Isaque Silva Submission (rear-naked choke) Pro Fight MMA Brazil 11 July 27, 2014 2 2:44 São Paulo, Brazil
Loss 3–2 Rodrigo Praia TKO (punches) It's Time Combat 4 April 16, 2014 2 N/A Manaus, Brazil
Loss 3–1 Thiago Silva Decision (split) Big Way Fight 3 November 8, 2013 3 5:00 Manaus, Brazil
Win 3–0 Luiz Silva Submission (armbar) It's Time Combat 3 July 13, 2013 1 N/A Manaus, Brazil
Win 2–0 Raniel da Costa TKO (punches) It's Time Combat 2 February 1, 2013 2 N/A Manaus, Brazil
Win 1–0 Francivaldo Arauvo TKO (punches) It's Time Combat 1 September 8, 2012 2 N/A Manaus, Brazil

[29]

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. ^ "UFC Rankings - The Official UFC App - UFC.com". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  5. ^ a b 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. ^ a b "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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b "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.