Diego Lopes gets his biggest opportunity yet when he will face Brian Ortega in the co-main event of UFC 303 on June 29. Both fighters are known for their elite jiu-jitsu skills, boasting a combined 20 submission victories.
Lopes believes this fight has the potential to settle the debate for the best jiu-jitsu practitioner in the UFC featherweight division.
Speaking to MMA Junkie, the Brazilian said:
“I think if the fight goes to the ground, he’s a black belt, I’m a black belt and both of us have the skills necessary to neutralize each other, but also the ability to test each other’s strengths… I definitely think this could define who’s got the best jiu-jitsu in the division.
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He added:
“I remember when I got to the UFC and I was climbing up the division, many were already asking for this fight. Not right now, but in the future to see who’s got the best jiu-jitsu. I think this comes at a great moment, a pay-per-view card, International Fight Week, co-main event – what a great moment to see who’s got the best jiu-jitsu. It’s going to be a war.”
Check out Diego Lopes' interview below:
Diego Lopes wants a title shot should he win at UFC 303
After a razor-thin loss in his debut, Diego Lopes has racked up three consecutive first-round wins, the latest against Sodiq Yusuff.
Now, as Lopes steps in on short notice against Brian Ortega, he sees that a win over the highly ranked fighter should bring him back into title contention.
Speaking to ESPN Deportes in an interview, the Brazilian fighter said:
"I think the chances are really big (that I get a title shot with a win). Imagine if I defeat Ortega and see how the rankings change, I’ll be really high in the rankings, without a doubt I’ll be in the conversation to be next in line... If I win in a solid way like I finished the last ones, I believe there’s no doubt that I will deserve a title shot."
Check out Lopes' comments below: