Diego Lopes
Diego Lopes is a Brazilian UFC fighter and jiu-jitsu coach based in Mexico, sharing his training, fight weeks and life around the sport with fans.
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Latest
Diego’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
UFC
UFC
ESPN MMA
YouTubeOverview
- From
- Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Home base
- Puebla, Mexico
- Work
- UFC fighter, jiu-jitsu coach and video creator
- Training
- Second-degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt
- Breakout
- Short-notice UFC debut against Movsar Evloev in May 2023
Mini bio
A family start.
Lopes grew up in Manaus and began Brazilian jiu-jitsu at five, following his father and brother onto the mats. He made his first MMA appearance at 17 and later took an opportunity to teach jiu-jitsu in Mexico, building his life and career in Puebla.
The opening he took.
A loss on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021 delayed his UFC arrival. In May 2023, he accepted a late replacement bout against undefeated Movsar Evloev at UFC 288. He lost the decision, but his submission threats introduced him to a much wider audience. Wins over Gavin Tucker, Pat Sabatini, Sodiq Yusuff, Dan Ige and Brian Ortega followed.
Still a teacher.
Coaching remains part of his story. He has worked with Alexa Grasso and Irene Aldana, teaches at his own gym in Mexico and shares fight-week footage on YouTube. His Brazilian Warriors youth program in Puebla also supports children getting started in jiu-jitsu.
Creditschronological, newest first
UFC appearances
- 2026UFC Freedom 250: Lopes vs GarciaWinner by second-round knockout
- 2026UFC 325: Volkanovski vs Lopes 2Featherweight title challenger
- 2025Noche UFC: Lopes vs SilvaMain-event winner by second-round stoppage
- 2025UFC 314: Volkanovski vs LopesFeatherweight title challenger
- 2024UFC 306: Lopes vs OrtegaWinner by unanimous decision
- 2023UFC 288: Lopes vs EvloevUFC debut
Coaching and community
- 2026East L.A. Jiu-Jitsu youth seminarGuest coach and Q&A participant
- 2025Brazilian Warriors youth jiu-jitsu programFounder and coach
Awards
Quotes
I learned so much from this fight.Diego Lopes, UFC.com interview with Zac Pacleb
Before Noche UFC in September 2025, Lopes reflected on the experience of his first five-round title fight with Alexander Volkanovski.
Trivia
- He names Cowboy Cerrone as his favorite fighter, admiring his willingness to accept fights in difficult circumstances.
- Before reaching the UFC, he won regional titles in JFL MMA, XFL MMA and Lux Fight League.
- He used some of his UFC debut bonus money to help his mother finish building her house.
Find Diego
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