Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Diego Lopes (fighter)

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 6, 2025

How Diego Lopes (fighter) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Diego Lopes is a Brazilian mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Featherweight division. Since turning professional in 2012, Lopes gained prominence as the former Lux Fight League Featherweight Champion. As of September 2024, he holds a #3 ranking in the UFC featherweight division, marking him as a top contender in the sport.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 5, 2018: LUX 003 Fight

On October 5, 2018, Diego Lopes debuted in the LUX Fight League promotion at the LUX 003 event, where he faced Luis Guerrero and won the fight via first-round submission.

November 29, 2019: LUX 007 Fight: Lopes vs. Beltrán

On November 29, 2019, at LUX 007, Diego Lopes faced the featherweight champion Marco Beltrán. Lopes defeated Beltrán via kneebar submission in the first round, becoming the new Lux Fight League Featherweight Champion.

March 12, 2021: LUX 012: Title Defense against Masio Fullen

On March 12, 2021, Diego Lopes defended his title against Masio Fullen at LUX 012. Lopes won the fight via submission after applying an armbar.

August 2021: Dana White's Contender Series 37

In August 2021, Diego Lopes was invited to participate in Dana White's Contender Series 37, where he faced Joanderson Brito and lost the bout via technical decision. Following this, Lopes was signed by the UFC.

May 2023: UFC 288: Lopes vs. Evloev

In May 2023, Diego Lopes made his UFC debut on short notice at UFC 288, replacing Bryce Mitchell to face Movsar Evloev. He lost the bout via unanimous decision, but earned the Fight of the Night award.

August 2023: UFC on ESPN 50: Lopes vs. Tucker

In August 2023, Diego Lopes faced Gavin Tucker at UFC on ESPN 50. Lopes won the fight via armbar in the first round and earned his first Performance of the Night award.

November 2023: UFC 295: Lopes vs. Sabatini

In November 2023, Diego Lopes faced Pat Sabatini at UFC 295. He won the bout by TKO in the first round, earning his second Performance of the Night award.

April 2024: UFC 300: Lopes vs. Yusuff

In April 2024, Diego Lopes faced Sodiq Yusuff at UFC 300. Lopes won by technical knockout in the first round after landing two knockdowns. The NAC initially withheld $5,000 of his $100,000 payout due to him jumping the cage after the fight.

May 2024: NAC Fine Decision

On May 31, 2024, the NAC decided to fine Diego Lopes $2,500 and $157.04 in legal fees for jumping the cage after his UFC 300 win in April 2024. UFC CEO Dana White offered to pay Lopes’ fine after Lopes asked him permission to jump over the fence.

June 2024: UFC 303: Lopes vs. Ige

In June 2024, Diego Lopes was scheduled to face Brian Ortega at UFC 303. The bout was changed to lightweight due to Ortega's weight cutting issues. On the day of the event, Ortega withdrew due to illness and was replaced by Dan Ige. Lopes won the bout against Ige by unanimous decision.

September 2024: UFC Featherweight Ranking

As of September 2024, Diego Lopes is ranked #3 in the UFC featherweight division.

September 2024: UFC 306: Lopes vs. Ortega

On September 14, 2024, the rebooked bout between Diego Lopes and Brian Ortega took place at UFC 306. Lopes won the fight by unanimous decision.

October 2024: UFC 308: Backup Fighter

On October 26, 2024, Diego Lopes served as the backup and potential replacement for the UFC Featherweight Championship bout between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway at UFC 308.

March 2025: Potential Fight with Yair Rodríguez

In March 2025, Diego Lopes was reportedly scheduled to face Yair Rodríguez at UFC on ESPN 64. However, Lopes later denied the fight was ever scheduled.