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Diego Lopes, the Brazilian dynamo, delivered a thunderous statement in his recent octagon appearance at UFC 295, dispatching Pat Sabatini with a lightning-fast knockout in a mere 90 seconds. While the victory earned him a well-deserved $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, Lopes found himself surprised by the absence of a coveted spot in the official UFC featherweight rankings.
With an impressive resume boasting a two-fight winning streak, both via first-round finishes, Lopes had aimed to clinch a spot among the UFC's featherweight elite. However, despite a gallant effort against unbeaten contender Movsar Evloev in his UFC debut and a stellar submission win over a previous opponent, Lopes fell short of breaking into the rankings.
In a candid conversation with MMA Junkie, Lopes expressed his surprise and determination, stating,
"I've shown enough to deserve a spot in there. I’ve shown enough, but if they don’t see it that way, then I have to keep showing them."
Undeterred by the rankings snub, Lopes is unwavering in his resolve to continue his winning streak and secure his well-deserved recognition.
"I will continue to win every fight the UFC puts in front of me until I get myself in the rankings,"
Lopes affirmed passionately. His sights are now set on challenging ranked opponents to solidify his claim for recognition. Expressing his desire for his next opponent, he voiced an interest in facing the likes of Bryce Mitchell, Alex Caceres, Sodiq Yusuff, Dan Ige, or Edson Barboza—eager to prove his mettle against the established names of the division.
Despite the setback, Diego Lopes remains undaunted and fueled by an unyielding passion to ascend the UFC featherweight ladder. His fervor and determination to face top-tier competition serve as a testament to his unwavering commitment to greatness, leaving fight fans eagerly anticipating his next electrifying showdown in the octagon.
As he continues to chase his dreams, Lopes embodies the spirit of a true fighter, ready to conquer any challenge in his quest for recognition and championship glory.