Diego Lopez is still interested in fighting Brian Ortega, but if “T-City” is unable to compete, he would like to fight Alexander Volkanovski next.
Lopez was originally scheduled to fight Ortega in the main event of last weekend’s UFC 303 in a featherweight bout. However, when it became clear that Ortega would not be able to make the weight class to 145 pounds, Lopez agreed to the lightweight bout. The bout was ultimately canceled when “T-City” fell ill on the day of the fight. Ortega was replaced with Dan Ige on just hours’ notice, but Ige lost a hard-fought unanimous decision to Lopez.
Lopez and Ige then requested to compete at UFC 306 on September 14 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, and Dana White has already agreed to the request. Lopez has requested a rematch with Ortega, but the former title challenger’s future at featherweight is currently up in the air. Ortega, who accepted the sudden featherweight matchup with Lopez, was already eyeing a move up to lightweight, which could happen at UFC 306. If Ortega does not make the cut to 145 pounds, Lopez revealed on “The MMA Hour” that he would like to face former champion Volkanovski at the Sphere in September.
“So, we’re Brian [Ortega] “It’s a reprogramming of the game,” Lopez said. “If he’s available at 145 pounds, if he’s healthy and able to return to the ring, I’d love that opportunity. But if not, I’d love to fight Volkanovski. It would be a great honor for me and another step forward in my career.”
Lopez has not lost in four fights since suffering a unanimous decision loss in a “Fight of the Night” matchup against Movsar Evloev in his UFC debut in May 2023. Evloev criticized Lopez after UFC 303, saying the Brazilian’s biggest claim to fame is his loss against him.
My biggest win in the UFC was losing to me
#ufc303
— Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC)
June 30, 2024
Evloev has only fought once since his win over Lopez, defeating Arnold Allen by unanimous decision in January at UFC 297. In response to Evloev’s recent comments, Lopez suggested the Russian fighter stay quiet given his recent career trajectory.
“There’s no real response to that,” Lopez said. “It’s better for him to stay quiet, because [I] He has yet to accomplish what he did in one year at UFC. [come] It’s close to that.”
Evloev then challenged Lopez to a rematch because Aljamain Sterling would not accept a fight against him.
“Hey [Diego Lopes]I want to fight again in Sphere [Aljamain Sterling] I’m running for my life, and this time I’m going to get you.”
