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Who is Diego Lopes? The Fighter Challenging Alexander Volkanovski
“Dream, believe, and make it happen.” That’s the mantra emblazoned across Diego Lopes’ chest. And honestly, it sums him up perfectly.
The Brazilian fighter hailing from Manaus grew up striving for a dream that demands everything: time, sweat, loss, belief, and an insane level of discipline. Now, after years of battling in the shadows, moving between countries, overcoming setbacks, and constantly proving his worth, Lopes is just one fight away from making it all come true. On April 12, at UFC 314 in Miami, he goes up against Alexander Volkanovski, one of the greatest featherweights of all time. It’s the fight of his life.
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A Long Journey from Manaus to Miami
Diego’s journey started early. He was raised in a sports family and began training jiu-jitsu with his dad at just 7 years old. But it wasn’t until he turned 17 that he stepped into the world of MMA. From the beginning, he wanted to make a living out of it, to become champion. But doing that from Manaus wasn’t easy. So, in 2014, he packed up and moved to São Paulo to find better training and more opportunities.
That still wasn’t enough. A year later, he left Brazil entirely and headed to Mexico, where he discovered a whole new chapter in his life and career. That’s where he met fellow fighter Alessandro Costa, who became his best friend and training partner. Together, they built something out of nothing (literally), including their own gym, Brazilian Warriors, which eventually caught the attention of Lobo Gym in Guadalajara. That’s where Diego met and started working with Francisco Grasso and UFC champ Alexa Grasso, joining a team that would become like family.
Dominating in LUX and waiting for his shot
In 2018, Diego started making a name for himself in Mexico’s leading MMA league, LUX Fight League. He made an immediate impact, eventually winning the featherweight title in 2019 by submitting Marco Beltrán with an impressive kneebar. Despite that success, the UFC wasn’t calling, but Diego kept grinding. He continued training, helping his teammates, and biding his time.
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Finally, the opportunity came: Dana White’s Contender Series. This was his chance. But during the fight, a poke to the eye left him unable to continue. Just like that, it slipped through his fingers. The UFC door slammed shut, again
But Lopes didn’t give up. He continued working with his team, cornering Alessandro Costa, training Alexa Grasso, and staying prepared for whatever came next.
The Breakthrough vs. Evloev
Then came the twist. Bryce Mitchell pulled out of a fight at the last minute, and the UFC needed someone to step in against the undefeated Movsar Evloev. Lopes got the call, with just four days’ notice.
Nobody expected much. Evloev was ranked, undefeated, and had been preparing for months. Lopes was supposed to be a fill-in. But Diego had other plans.
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From the start, he came out swinging, showing off his striking and dangerous jiu-jitsu. Evloev controlled most of the fight, especially on the ground, but Lopes never gave up. In the last seconds, he went all-in with a leg lock that almost changed everything. You could see Evloev in pain. You could feel the crowd sensing an upset. But time ran out. The Russian won by decision.
Still, that was all it took. Dana White saw something special, that hunger, that fight, and gave Diego the UFC contract he’d been chasing his whole life.
From Underdog to Title Contender
Since then, Diego Lopes has been on fire. He’s picked up four straight wins and earned his way into the title picture. His fight against Brian Ortega showed exactly what kind of fighter he is: sharp, strategic, and relentless.
Everyone knew he was close to a title shot, but no one expected it this soon. When Ilia Topuria vacated the featherweight belt, things moved fast. Dana White went live on Instagram to drop the news: Diego Lopes would be fighting for the title. Against Alexander Volkanovski.
Volkanovski Awaits
Volkanovski isn’t just any opponent. He’s a UFC legend, one of the most consistent and toughest fighters to ever hold the featherweight belt. This won’t be easy. It’s the biggest challenge of Diego’s life.
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But then again, Diego’s whole career has been about doing the impossible. From a small gym in Manaus to training in Mexico to almost beating an undefeated contender on four days’ notice, he’s built for moments like this.
Win or lose on April 12 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Diego Lopes has already done something huge: he’s made the MMA world believe in him. The fans, the fighters, the UFC brass. Everyone sees it now. That dream he tattooed on his chest? It’s no longer just a dream. It’s real. And whether it happens on April 12 or some other day, Diego Lopes is going to make it happen.
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