“If I Have a Chance…”: Diego Lopes Reveals What It Would Take for Him to Return to Featherweight

Diego Lopes is set to make his lightweight debut after spending over four years competing in the featherweight division, where he has fought for the title twice.

He will face former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 355 on December 12. While this is a pivotal fight for Lopes, he has revealed that a return to featherweight remains an option.

Diego Lopes Is Open to a Featherweight Return

Charles Oliveira will defend his BMF title against the former featherweight. Meanwhile, Lopes revealed that he would move back down regardless of the outcome if the UFC offers him a featherweight title fight or a No. 1 contender bout.

While discussing his lightweight move in an interview with MMAJunkie, Lopes stated he wants to test himself in the 155-lbs category for now. 

“Now my goal is go to 155, make a great job, feel your body, feel your power, feel your speed, feel everything, you know, because like all guys in 155, this guy fight his whole life in 155, this is my first fight in 155, I wanna feel, uh, I hope I feel very well, I hope I can, I can do different things too and I'm gonna stay, I want to stay 155,” Lopes said. 

However, the 31-year-old revealed that he isn’t rigid about his decision and would be open to reconsidering it if a better opportunity arises.

"But if I have a chance, come back to 145 for fight for the number one contender or for the belt again, I came back to the 145. Now I, of course, I need more time for this because my body changed, uh, but my focus now is 155," Lopes added.

Lopes Vows to Make the BMF Fight Exciting

Charles Oliveira won the BMF title with a grappling-heavy approach against former champion Max Holloway. For many fans, and even Dana White, the fight failed to generate much excitement.

However, Lopes has vowed to engage in a stand-up battle if the champion is willing to do the same.

“I hope he does come in with that mindset, because that’s exactly what I want. I want to get in there and throw down. Let’s see who goes down first. That’s exactly what I’m looking for,” Lopes said in an interview ahead of the fight.

Lopes is a pressure fighter with excellent ground defense. Meanwhile, Oliveira, who holds numerous submission victories, also possesses knockout power.

Thus, when the cage door closes, Lopes will look to do his part. If Oliveira responds with a striking battle, the BMF showdown could deliver the level of excitement fans expect.