Diego Lopes withdraws from jiu-jitsu World Master to focus on UFC return

Diego Lopes is getting closer to his return to the Octagon. The former UFC featherweight title challenger has withdrawn from the IBJJF World Master, where he was scheduled to compete in September, to focus on finalizing his next fight. Recently, Brazilian revealed his plans to move up to lightweight and return in November, with Madison Square Garden as his preferred destination.

Diego Lopes Withdraws From Jiu-Jitsu World Master

Following his knockout win over Steve Garcia in June, Lopes had been preparing to compete at the World Master jiu-jitsu tournament in Las Vegas. However, the Brazilian will now skip the competition to focus entirely on his MMA return. Lopes revealed the decision in a comment on VF Comunica's Instagram post, explaining that he had been training for the tournament but is now close to securing his next fight.

"Unfortunately, I won't be able to compete at the World Master. I was training well, but I'm close to finalizing my next fight. So we'll have to wait a little longer."

Diego Lopes Prepares for Lightweight Move

After spending his UFC career at featherweight, Lopes is expected to move up to the lightweight division. The Brazilian made his promotional debut in May 2023 and quickly climbed the ranks at 145 pounds. Lopes has challenged Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title twice, losing both bouts. Although he bounced back with an impressive knockout win over Garcia, the Brazilian has now decided to try his luck in a different weight class.

Lopes has previously indicated that he is targeting a return in November and expressed his desire to fight at Madison Square Garden.

For now, Lopes appears to be prioritizing his MMA return over another appearance on the jiu-jitsu mats. With his next fight reportedly close to being finalized, the Brazilian is now turning his attention to his move up to lightweight.