Diego Lopes ’s rise in the UFC has been a special one. The 29-year-old has the MMA world by storm. Less than a year after he signed with the UFC, Lopes (24-6 MMA, 3-1 UFC) is a fan favorite and dark horse featherweight contender. Lopes debuted on just a few days’ notice in May 2023. He almost took the unbeaten record from top contender Movsar Evloev, but gave him his toughest UFC fight and earned a Fight of the Night bonus in the process.