Diego Lopes recently shared his reasoning for moving up to the lightweight division, despite having secured a win in his last featherweight fight.
Lopes’ latest bout took place at UFC Freedom 250, where he earned a second-round knockout against Steve Garcia. Now, the ex-featherweight title contender is stepping up to 155 pounds to face BMF champion Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 335.
During an interview with Ariel Helwani, Lopes discussed his decision to move to lightweight and whether this transition will be permanent.
He expressed that after losing two featherweight title bouts and missing out on the undisputed UFC featherweight belt, his options at 145 pounds feel limited. As a result, he’s opted to move up a division to pursue more exciting matchups.
“I lost twice to Volk, I won my last fight at 145, and there aren’t many options for me there right now. So, we decided to move to 155 and take on some fun fights,” Lopes explained.
However, he also noted that this change might not be forever. He remarked, “Now I have more freedom—I can use supplements, take creatine, and train harder. I want to see how my power and strength translate at 155, and after this fight, I’ll decide if I stay or return to 145.”
You can watch Diego Lopes’ explanation here:
[Embedded Tweet from Ariel Helwani]
In the same chat with Ariel Helwani, Lopes mentioned that since his UFC Freedom 250 victory over Steve Garcia, his profile has grown significantly. New sponsorships, brand deals, and a surge in fan support have brought him into the spotlight, something he truly enjoys.
“After the White House fight, a few things changed—new sponsorships, bigger deals, and more recognition. Before, only a handful of people knew who I was. Now, wherever I go, fans ask for photos. It’s awesome because it shows I’m doing something right. I’m grateful for the recognition,” he said.
See more from Lopes here:
[Embedded Tweet from FightLuck]
Lopes has consistently shown his readiness to step in for the UFC on short notice, frequently making weight as a backup and embracing last-minute fights.
If he manages to defeat Charles Oliveira at UFC 335 with a commanding performance, Lopes could quickly establish himself as a serious lightweight contender. Continued success could potentially lead him to a lightweight title shot, especially given that UFC President Dana White and matchmaker Hunter Campbell already trust his reliability.
(Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC & Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Fan Take: Diego Lopes’ move to lightweight shakes up an increasingly competitive division and gives fans an exciting storyline to follow. His arrival could spur new championship dynamics, potentially reshaping the landscape of the UFC’s 155-pound roster.
Source: www.lowkickmma.com
