‘I received’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, desires to be the following 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 following one, I say: I’m on streak; I’ve overwhelmed three individuals within the rankings this yr; I’m at No. 3, and Topuria has overwhelmed the 2 fighters which might be above me within the rankings,” Lopes instructed MMA Junkie in Spanish. “We’re the brand new blood of the division, and it is a renewal bout for the division.

“I believe for a very long time, all of the championship fights have both concerned Volkanovski or Holloway. This battle can be a renewal. Additionally, this battle will be executed 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 carry 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 some of the harmful fighters within the sport. Though Lopes respects his craft, the Lobo Fitness center and Brazilian Warriors product is by no means afraid of his energy, and sees Topuria as matchup.

“What I carry to the desk, merely put, is the ability in my fingers, positively, the explosivity in my placing, my quantity, and I’d say the primary factor is that I don’t worry anybody,” Lopes mentioned. “I don’t worry anybody. Identical to he goes to punish, so do I.

“If the battle does go down, it is going to be a conflict, a conflict. If he strikes ahead, he’s going to run right into a wall. That’s what I carry. I received’t be backing up, shifting facet to facet, seeking to preserve the battle at a distance. I just like the conflict. I like coming in and clashing. That’s the place I really feel snug, and that’s additionally his sport, so I believe the fashion favors me.”

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

“If we’re speaking about numbers and outcomes, to not brag, however I believe I’m in place to ask for the title,” Lopes mentioned. “Earlier than April 10, earlier than UFC 300, I wasn’t within the UFC rankings. Nevertheless, since, I’ve overwhelmed three ranked fighters, and I’ve positioned myself at No. 3. I believe primarily based on advantage, I’ve earned the place that I’m in. Topuria simply knocked out No. 1 and a pair of, and I’m No. 3. I believe I’ve arguments to name for this title battle.”