Diego Lopes needs to re-book his struggle with Brian Ortega.
The rising featherweight sensation agreed to a short-notice bout with the two-time title challenger for UFC 303 in late June after the cardboard misplaced Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler, however noticed the matchup transfer up a weight class after which change altogether when Dan Ige stepped in on hours’ discover as his new opponent.
Lopes gained a call that night time and he’s adamant that Ortega needs to be his subsequent UFC foe. For that motive, Lopes has determined to dismiss callouts from former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and his former opponent Movsar Evloev.
“It doesn’t make sense now,” Lopes informed Canal Encarada when requested about presumably going through Sterling subsequent. “We have been going to struggle the No. 3 on the earth, then we fought the No. 13 and went up two positions. The UFC has principally assured me a struggle with a top-five [opponent] now so Aljamain Sterling is not sensible, and neither does a rematch with Movsar.”
Lopes had an in depth struggle with Evloev on brief discover in his UFC debut, and has since gone on a tear with 4 UFC wins and three post-fight bonuses. Evloev has solely fought as soon as since his win over Lopes, capturing a call over Arnold Allen, whereas Sterling is 1-0 in his return to 145 kilos with a three-round win reverse Calvin Kattar earlier this yr.
“They know I’m in a great spot proper now,” Lopes stated. “They know I used to be going to struggle the No. 3 on the earth and I’m kicking down the door for a title struggle, so they need the thrill for themselves. It is not sensible for them to name me out since they’re ranked increased than me. It is not sensible, however they know I’m producing quite a bit [of buzz] with followers and the UFC.”
Lopes stated he was knowledgeable by UFC that he can be a part of the UFC 306 pay-per-view on the Sphere on Sept. 14, however nonetheless must nail down his dance accomplice. Nonetheless, Lopes added that going through Ortega is extra essential to him than being on the Sphere card. Ortega has talked about his need to maneuver to light-weight full-time going ahead, and Lopes could be all the way down to face Ortega at 155 kilos “if his [featherweight ranking position] is on the road.”
“Since it seems that [Max] Holloway and [Ilia] Topuria will struggle, I wish to struggle Ortega as a result of he has fought for the title twice and he has a ton of expertise in opposition to one of the best of the division,” Lopes stated. “A great struggle and a great win over him would positively put me subsequent to a title struggle.”
