Diego Lopes (fighter)

Diego Lopes da Silva (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 (LFL), where he was a former Lux Fight League Featherweight Champion. As of 17 September 2024, he is #3 in the UFC featherweight rankings.
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.
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.
Lopes debuted in the LUX Fight League promotion on October 5, 2018, facing Luis Guerrero at the LUX 003 event. He won the fight via first-round submission.
After two more unanimous decision wins over Rony Jason and Alejandro Solano Rodríguez, Lopes had the opportunity to face then-featherweight champion Marco Beltrán. The fight took place on November 29, 2019, at LUX 007, where Lopes dethroned Beltrán's reign after defeating him via kneebar submission in the first round.
On March 12, 2021, he made his first and only title defense against Masio Fullen at LUX 012. He won the fight via submission after applying an armbar.
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. Lopes was eventually signed by the UFC.
Making his UFC debut on five days' notice, Lopes faced Movsar Evloev on 6 May 2023 at UFC 288, replacing Bryce Mitchell. He lost the bout via unanimous decision. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.
Lopes faced Gavin Tucker on 5 August 2023 at UFC on ESPN 50. He won the bout via armbar in the first round. This victory earned him his first Performance of the Night award.
Lopes faced Pat Sabatini on 11 November 2023 at UFC 295. He won the bout by TKO in the first round. This victory earned him his second Performance of the Night award.
Lopes faced Sodiq Yusuff on 13 April 2024 at UFC 300. After landing two knockdowns, Lopes won by technical knockout in the second minute of the first round. Based on jumping the cage after winning the fight, the NAC withheld $5,000 of his $100,000 payout. 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.
Lopes was scheduled to face Brian Ortega in a lightweight bout on 29 June 2024, at UFC 303. The bout was originally scheduled for featherweight, but was changed a day before weigh-ins due to weight cutting issues from Ortega. 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. Lopes won the bout against Ige by unanimous decision.
The bout with Brian Ortega was rebooked and eventually took place on 14 September 2024 at UFC 306. Lopes won the fight by unanimous decision.
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.
Lopes was reportedly scheduled to face Yair Rodríguez on 29 March 2025, at UFC on ESPN 64. However, Lopes later denied the fight was ever scheduled.
Lopes is scheduled to compete for the vacant UFC Featherweight Championship against former champion Alexander Volkanovski in the main event on April 12, 2025 at UFC 314.