TLDR
- Diego Lopes says fans would criticize any UFC 325 title fight matchup regardless of the contender chosen
- Lopes earned his title shot with a recent knockout victory that impressed UFC matchmakers
- The Brazilian fighter pointed out perceived flaws in other potential contenders like Murphy, Evloev, and Rodriguez
- Lopes emphasized the title shot decision belongs to the UFC, not fans, and he’s taking the opportunity
- UFC 325 main event between Lopes and champion Volkanovski takes place this weekend in Sydney, Australia
Sources: BJ Penn | MMA Mania | BJ Penn
Diego Lopes has responded to critics who believe he doesn’t deserve his UFC 325 title shot against champion Alexander Volkanovski. The No. 2-ranked featherweight will face Volkanovski in a rematch this weekend in Sydney, Australia.
Lopes told MMA Junkie that fans would find fault with any matchmaking decision the UFC made for this fight. He pointed out that every potential contender has something critics could complain about.
“I think fans will never be fully happy with anything,” Lopes said. “I want to present a few points. If the fight was for Lerone Murphy, people are going to say he doesn’t deserve it because he beat a guy that wasn’t in the UFC and wasn’t ranked.”
The Brazilian contender went through a list of other potential opponents and the criticisms they would face. He mentioned that if Movsar Evloev got the shot, fans would point out he hasn’t fought in a year and has pulled out of multiple fights.
Lopes Defends His Credentials
Lopes earned his title opportunity with a recent knockout victory that impressed UFC matchmakers. He said he approached the fight knowing what was needed to secure a championship bout.
“I’m only here to do my job,” Lopes continued. “I said that before my fight. I’m going to do my job, finish the fight impressively and leave my name off the table.”
The featherweight contender emphasized that the decision to give him the title shot belongs to the UFC, not the fans. He said he requested fights with top contenders in the past and delivered when given the opportunity.
“If they give me a title shot, I’m taking it,” Lopes stated. “It’s the UFC’s decision, and that’s why I’m here.”
Lopes acknowledged that other undefeated fighters in the division have merit. However, he stood by the promotion’s choice to book him in the main event at UFC 325.
Title Shot Comes Despite Other Contenders
The rematch has sparked debate among fans and media members who believe more deserving contenders exist in the featherweight division. Some critics point to fighters with longer winning streaks or higher-ranked opponents on their records.
Lopes said that no matter which contender received the title shot, there would be complaints. He used Yair Rodriguez as another example of a fighter who would face criticism if selected.
“So, if you lay it all out, fans are never going to be fully happy,” Lopes said. “They will always have something to say.”
The Brazilian fighter pointed out the contradictions in fan criticism. He questioned why beating a ranked opponent would be dismissed while beating an unranked fighter or not competing for a year would somehow be acceptable.
Lopes said he remains focused on winning the title rather than justifying his position to critics. A victory over Volkanovski would make him the new UFC featherweight champion.
The UFC 325 main event takes place this weekend in Sydney, Australia. Lopes will get his chance to silence critics by defeating the champion and claiming the featherweight belt.
