Diego Lopes Eyes Movsar Evloev Rematch After Potential UFC 314 Title Triumph

Diego Lopes is on the brink of the biggest moment of his UFC career — and he already knows who he wants next if he walks away with gold at UFC 314.

The rising Brazilian featherweight returns to action later this month in Miami, where he’ll challenge Alexander Volkanovski in the main event. It marks Lopes’ first appearance since defeating Brian Ortega by unanimous decision in September, a win that further solidified his place among the top contenders. Meanwhile, Volkanovski will enter the bout on a two-fight skid, having most recently suffered a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in February.

If Lopes captures the UFC featherweight title, he plans to use that momentum to settle an old score. The 29-year-old has one UFC defeat on his record — a hard-fought decision loss to Movsar Evloev in May 2023, a bout he took on extremely short notice. That unfinished business still drives Lopes, and he’s hoping to run it back under very different circumstances.

“Of course, this fight for me is important because this guy beat me in the past,” Diego Lopes told MMA Junkie. “But now it’s different. It’s different things. I’m at the top, and this guy, too. Maybe we’ll fight for the title. I’m so excited for the next step, but my focus is on Volkanovski. I win the belt and I will ask the UFC for the fight with Movsar [Evloev].”

Beyond just avenging the loss, Lopes has a special venue in mind for the potential rematch: Guadalajara, Mexico, where he’s lived for the last decade. He’s eager to defend the title in front of the passionate Mexican fanbase that has embraced him.

“One hundred percent, this is my goal: Win the fight next week and I will ask the UFC for the fight in Guadalajara. For me, to defend the title in Guadalajara, Mexico, is special, because I’ve lived in Mexico for 10 years.”

A championship win at UFC 314 could set up an electrifying sequel — one fueled by redemption and national pride.