Diego Lopes will request Movsar Evloev rematch with title win

If Diego Lopes captures the vacant featherweight title in the UFC 314 against Alexander Volkanovski, his first order of business will be to address his lone octagon defeat.

Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) enters his first championship opportunity against Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) in the April 12 headliner at Kaseya Center in Miami (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+) on the power of a five-fight winning streak.

All those victories came on the heels of Lopes dropping his promotional debut to Movsar Evloev by unanimous decision in a fight he took on short notice at UFC 288 in May 2023.

Evloev (19-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) still holds an undefeated record years later and, by merit, is the most deserving next contender for the belt. Lopes intends to give him an overdue crack at gold to he can avenge the loss in his first defense.

“Of course, this fight for me is important because this guy beat me in the past,” Lopes told MMA Junkie on Friday. “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.”

Not only does Lopes, 33, see Evloev, 30, as an ideal opponent for his first defense, he thinks there’s a perfect timeline for it, as well. Lopes was born in Brazil, but he’s spent the past decade-plus putting down roots in Mexico.

UFC 320 on Sept. 13, also known as Noche UFC, will touch down in Lopes’ residing city of Guadalajara, Mexico. Whether it’s against Evloev or not, he said he will be competing on that card.

“One hundred percent, this is my goal: Win the fight next week and I will ask the UFC for the fight in Guadalajara,” Lopes said. “For me, to defend the title in Guadalajara, Mexico, is special for me, because I’ve lived in Mexico for 10 years. I live in Guadalajara. I have so much people in Guadalajara support me. One hundred percent, I will fight to defend the belt in September.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 314.