UFC Nashville's Diego Lopes opens up about regional MMA's stresses, challenges
Many think the UFC is the toughest battleground in MMA, but that’s only partly true.
Although the toughest competition usually can be found in the octagon, there are many challenges and difficulties that come from fighting outside it. For Diego Lopes, who recently joined the UFC roster after a decade of fighting on the regional scene, those experiences remain very vivid.
Lopes made his UFC debut in May on the pay-per-view main card of UFC 288. He got the call to fight unbeaten ranked opponent Movsar Evloev on just three days’ notice. The Brazilian lost the fight by decision, but won a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus, Dana White’s recognition, and the respect of many fans in the process.
The-28-year-old returns Saturday on the main card of UFC on ESPN 50 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. Lopes (21-6 MMA, 0-1 UFC) takes on Gavin Tucker (13-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) in a featherweight matchup.
Ahead of his return, MMA Junkie caught up with Lopes to reflect on his 10-year run fighting on the regional scene and the stresses and difficulties that come with it.