Diego Lopes Bio
Diego Lopes da Silva, born on December 30, 1994, in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, is a professional mixed martial artist competing in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known for his Brazilian jiu-jitsu expertise and dynamic fighting style, Lopes has established himself as a top contender in the UFC featherweight rankings.
Early Life and Background
Diego Lopes was born and raised in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. Coming from a family with a tradition in fighting, he began training Brazilian jiu-jitsu at a young age and started competing by the age of seven. By sixteen, he had earned his purple belt and soon transitioned into mixed martial arts, laying the foundation for his professional career.
His early exposure to martial arts was deeply influenced by his family, which instilled discipline and a competitive spirit. Lopes later moved to Mexico to teach Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a pivotal step that allowed him to refine his skills and expand his career opportunities.
Path to MMA
Lopes began his professional MMA career in 2012 in Brazil, quickly making an impact with a victory in his debut fight. Over his first seven bouts, he compiled a strong record, demonstrating his potential as a rising talent. At 19, he relocated to Mexico to teach and train, which significantly contributed to his development as a fighter.
He gained recognition in the Mexican MMA scene, particularly in the LUX Fight League, where he captured the Featherweight Championship. His success in LUX paved the way for his entry into the UFC, where he continues to compete at a high level.
Diego Lopes Career
Early Career (2012–2018)
Diego Lopes launched his professional MMA career in September 2012 in Brazil, quickly establishing himself with a strong start. He earned five wins in his first seven fights, showcasing his grappling and submission skills. His early career was marked by steady progress and growing experience in regional promotions.
At 19, Lopes accepted an opportunity to teach Brazilian jiu-jitsu in Mexico, which became a turning point. This move allowed him to train with new partners and gain exposure to different fighting styles, enhancing his overall MMA game.
LUX Fight League Breakthrough (2018–2021)
Lopes made his LUX Fight League debut on October 5, 2018, with a first-round submission victory. He followed this with two unanimous decision wins, building momentum in the promotion. On November 29, 2019, he won the LUX Featherweight Championship by submitting then-champion Marco Beltrán via kneebar in the first round.
He successfully defended his title on March 12, 2021, with an armbar submission victory over Masio Fullen. These performances solidified his reputation as a formidable featherweight and caught the attention of larger organizations.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2023–Present)
Diego Lopes made his UFC debut on May 6, 2023, stepping in on short notice. Although he lost his first fight against Movsar Evloev via unanimous decision, the bout earned Fight of the Night honors. Lopes quickly rebounded with a first-round armbar submission win over Gavin Tucker, earning Performance of the Night.
He continued his ascent with notable victories, including a first-round TKO against Pat Sabatini and a technical knockout win over Sodiq Yusuff at UFC 300. Lopes also secured unanimous decision wins over Dan Ige and Brian Ortega, demonstrating his well-rounded skills and resilience.
In 2025, Lopes challenged Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 314 but lost by unanimous decision. Despite the loss, the fight earned him another Fight of the Night award. Later that year, he won a main event bout against Jean Silva by technical knockout, earning both Performance and Fight of the Night bonuses.
Driving Style and Strengths
Diego Lopes is known for his strong Brazilian jiu-jitsu foundation, holding a black belt in the discipline. His orthodox stance complements his grappling prowess, enabling him to control opponents on the ground and secure submissions. Lopes combines technical striking with strategic ground work, making him a versatile and dangerous featherweight.
Notable Events and Milestones
Lopes has earned multiple Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards in the UFC, highlighting his exciting fighting style. Key milestones include winning the LUX Featherweight Championship and competing for the UFC Featherweight title. His victory over Jean Silva with a spinning elbow knockout stands out as a signature moment.
Diego Lopes Career Wins
Diego Lopes has amassed 27 professional wins out of 34 fights, with a diverse record including knockouts, submissions, and decision victories. His submission skills are particularly notable, accounting for 12 of his wins, reflecting his Brazilian jiu-jitsu expertise.
LUX Fight League Highlights
In the LUX Fight League, Lopes secured the Featherweight Championship and defended it successfully once. His first LUX win came via first-round submission, and his title win was marked by a kneebar submission. These accomplishments established him as a top featherweight in the regional circuit.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond LUX, Lopes has demonstrated consistent success in various promotions, including his UFC tenure where he has earned multiple performance bonuses. His record features a balanced mix of finishes and decisions, underscoring his adaptability and skill set.
Diego Lopes Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Diego Lopes comes from a family with a tradition in fighting, which influenced his early start in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA. This background provided a strong foundation for his martial arts career.
Personal Life
Lopes currently resides in Puebla, Mexico, where he also teaches Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He founded a non-profit jiu-jitsu academy called “Brazilian Warriors” to support underprivileged children, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Diego Lopes remained a prominent figure in the UFC featherweight division. He competed for the UFC Featherweight Championship against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 314, delivering a competitive performance despite losing by unanimous decision. The bout earned him Fight of the Night honors, highlighting his resilience and skill.
Later in the year, Lopes secured a technical knockout victory over Jean Silva at UFC Fight Night 259, earning both Performance and Fight of the Night bonuses. He is scheduled for a rematch against Volkanovski at UFC 325 in early 2026, positioning him as a key contender in the division’s future.