Ultimate Fighting Championship title challenger Diego Lopes
is looking for a new lease on life at lightweight.
After suffering his second championship defeat to Alexander
Volkanovski at UFC 325, Lopes took the opportunity to spend
three weeks with his family in Manaus, Brazil. On Wednesday, Lopes
spoke with Brazilian journalist Laerte Viana, where he broke down his unsuccessful
jaunt for the belt while giving the Aussie his laurels.
“We did everything in our power and it wasn’t enough,” a resigned
Lopes admitted. “I just have to admit that he is better. He moves
well to the left and right. I’m not the first person to lose twice
to him in a title fight, so I’m quite calm about it.”
After his failed second try for the 145-pound throne, rumors spread
that the Brazilian by way of Mexico damaged one or both feet during
the match. Lopes shed light on the injuries he sustained against
Volkanovski, where there were no outright breaks but some minor
fractures that put him out of action for a short time.
“I had imaging tests done the next day and no ligament or tendon
injuries were found, but there were some small fractures in the
bones, so I needed to wear a boot for the last few weeks. Yesterday
I had new imaging tests and I’m waiting for the results to see when
I can return to training,” the Brazilian revealed.
Moving on Up
Following the defeat, some questioned whether Lopes’ serious weight
cut played a factor in his performance. Lopes put some credence
behind that, as he himself thinks his next move might be up a
division.
“A third title shot would be difficult because I’ve already lost
two, so we’re analyzing whether I stay in the category or try to
fight at a higher weight,” the 31-year-old explained. “I spent the
last few weeks in Brazil with my family, when I get back, I’ll
analyze it with my coaches and manager.”
Lopes continued, “But we also have to see what the UFC’s plans are,
right? Because we know that, even if you want to move up, I think
it’s a little more difficult when you’re already at a much higher
level. I’ve had two title fights, I’m number two, it’s a little
more difficult than if I were starting out and wanted to change
weight classes. An example is [Brian]
Ortega. How many times has he said he wanted to move up a
weight class, and the UFC has never been able to find a lightweight
fight for him that everyone would like? First, I want to talk to
the UFC, I want to see what they have in mind for me, what they’re
going to tell me, and also give them my opinion. Moving up a weight
class is a possibility.”
In case he remains in the featherweight division, Lopes has plenty
of options at his disposal. A nine-fight UFC veteran with two of
those appearances against Volkanovski, he has fresh matchups that
could help sort out the logjammed title picture. With the victor
between Lerone
Murphy and Movsar
Evloev likely up next for the belt, the Brazilian has a few
names he would like to cross off his list.
“I’d accept any fight,” he stated confidently, “but if I had to
ask, it would be either Arnold
Allen, Yair
Rodriguez or whoever loses between Movsar and Lerone.”