‘I won’t be backing up’

Diego Lopes has his sights set on Ilia Topuria’s UFC featherweight title, and he’s not afraid to go and take it from him.

Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC), a streaking title contender at 145 kilos, needs to be the subsequent particular person to problem Ilia Topuria, and he believes he’s greater than deserving to name for a title shot, given the physique of labor he’s put collectively in 2024.

“In the event that they requested me what arguments there are for me to be the subsequent one, I say: I’m on a very good streak; I’ve crushed three individuals within the rankings this yr; I’m at No. 3, and Topuria has crushed the 2 fighters which are above me within the rankings,” Lopes instructed MMA Junkie in Spanish. “We’re the brand new blood of the division, and this can be a renewal bout for the division.

“I feel for a very long time, all of the championship fights have both concerned Volkanovski or Holloway. This struggle might be a renewal. Additionally, this struggle might be completed in Spain or anyplace in Latin America and be promoted 100% in Spanish for all of the Hispanic individuals. These are the arguments that I deliver to the desk.”

Topuria is coming off a historic win at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. Not solely did he full his first title protection, however he additionally grew to become the primary man to knock out Max Holloway.

Topuria has put away six of the eight opponents he’s confronted within the UFC and has confirmed he’s one of the crucial harmful fighters within the recreation. Though Lopes respects his craft, the Lobo Fitness center and Brazilian Warriors product is on no account afraid of his energy, and sees Topuria as a very good matchup.

“What I deliver to the desk, merely put, is the facility in my arms, undoubtedly, the explosivity in my putting, my quantity, and I’d say the primary factor is that I don’t concern anybody,” Lopes stated. “I don’t concern anybody. Similar to he goes to punish, so do I.

“If the struggle does go down, will probably be a conflict, a conflict. If he strikes ahead, he’s going to run right into a wall. That’s what I deliver. I received’t be backing up, transferring aspect to aspect, trying to keep the struggle at a distance. I just like the conflict. I like coming in and clashing. That’s the place I really feel comfy, and that’s additionally his recreation, so I feel the model favors me.”

Lopes instructed MMA Junkie that he’s open to face Alexander Volkanovski for an interim title in early 2025 if Topuria had been to take a break from the game. Nonetheless, his superb situation is a title shot, which he feels assured can occur subsequent.

“If we’re speaking about numbers and outcomes, to not brag, however I feel I’m in a very good place to ask for the title,” Lopes stated. “Earlier than April 10, earlier than UFC 300, I wasn’t within the UFC rankings. Nonetheless, since, I’ve crushed three ranked fighters, and I’ve positioned myself at No. 3. I feel primarily based on benefit, I’ve earned the place that I’m in. Topuria simply knocked out No. 1 and a couple of, and I’m No. 3. I feel I’ve arguments to name for this title struggle.”