Can Diego Lopes insert himself into the immediate UFC featherweight title picture? He certainly hopes so.
Wednesday, Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) issued a challenge on X to former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC), the fighter thought to be the next in line for current titleholder Ilia Topuria.
“@Alexandervolkanovski, if Ilia going to 155, let’s meet in the Octagon,” Lopes wrote. “You can pick the date and location.”
@alexvolkanovski , if Ilia going to 155, let’s meet in the Octagon. You can pick the date and location.
— Diego Lopes 🇧🇷🇲🇽 (@Diegolopesmma) December 11, 2024
Lopes’ post comes after an interview surfaced where Topuria indicated he might seek a jump to lightweight for his next bout, in which he case he’d vacate the featherweight title. Topuria said the promotion indicated the promotion had mentioned April for a return date at a potential show in Miami.
Should the UFC follow through with the plan of Topuria vs. Volkanovski, it’s unclear where that leaves Lopes. For Topuria’s recent title defense vs. Max Holloway, Lopes weighed in as a backup fighter – something he could do again. However, hungry contenders Movsar Evloev and Jose Emmett are among others waiting in the wings, as well.
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