Diego Lopes (fighter)

Diego Lopes da Silva (born 30 December 1994) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of July 2, 2024, he is #12 in UFC featherweight rankings.

Background
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.

Early career
Lopes made his professional MMA debut in his native country of Brazil in September 2012. He won his debut and competed seven more times and went 5–2. Eight fights into his MMA career, Lopes was offered an opportunity to teach in Mexico by his jiu-jitsu instructor. At 19 years of age, Lopes took his coach up on the offer and relocated to Mexico where he began teaching. He later resumed his fighting career.

After competing in multiple promotions in Mexico, 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.

After 3 more fights in other promotions, Lopes was eventually signed by the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
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. ng, 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.

Mixed martial arts

 * Ultimate Fighting Championship
 * Performance of the Night (Two times) vs. Gavin Tucker and Pat Sabatini
 * Fight of the Night (One Time) vs. Movsar Evloev
 * 2023 Newcomer of the Year
 * LUX Fight League
 * LUX Featherweight Championship (One time)
 * Fury Fighting Championship
 * Fury Fighting Championship Featherweight Championship (One time)
 * XFL
 * XFL Featherweight Championship (One time)
 * Jasaji Fighting League
 * Jasaji Fighting League Featherweight Championship (One time)