Diego Lopez initially feared he had suffered fractures in both legs during the featherweight title rematch, but fortunately, surgery will not be necessary.
The Brazilian fighter had a challenging bout in Sydney, where he was decisively defeated by the legendary Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 325. The judges awarded Volkanovski every round, and Lopez was taken to the hospital immediately after the fight.
Though the first reports raised alarm over severe injuries, it appears Lopez will only need to temporarily use boots and crutches rather than undergoing surgery.
- Big money: Dana White awards $425,000 in bonuses following UFC 325, including to Volkanovski
Diego Lopez escapes surgery despite serious injury at UFC 325
Following his defeat to Alexander Volkanovski, Diego Lopez was hospitalized for evaluations after initially being diagnosed with fractures in both legs just after leaving the arena.
Thankfully, further hospital testing revealed the injuries were less severe than feared. Lopez shared an update with fans via Instagram from his hospital bed, posting photos from fight week alongside the caption, “That’s life.”
In his post, Lopez elaborated: “We went to the hospital and did some tests and everything was fine. I just broke both legs a little, but I don’t need surgery. I’ll be using a boot and crutches for a few weeks.”
This came after an earlier statement from his manager, Jason House, who had commented on the severity of the injuries with the phrase: “Looks like he broke both legs.”
Lopez also reflected on the rollercoaster nature of his life, saying, “Some nights I’m at the afterparty, some nights I’m in the ER, but every morning I’m grateful for the opportunity to live this life with my best friends,” beneath a photo he shared.
Fan Take: This update is a relief for fight fans who were concerned about Lopez’s health, as his recovery without surgery bodes well for his future in the sport. It also highlights the intense physical risks fighters face, reminding us all why fighter safety must remain a top priority in MMA.
