Diego Lopes Bio
Diego Lopes da Silva, born on December 30, 1994, in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, is a professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall with a 72.5-inch reach and an orthodox stance, he is widely regarded as one of the most exciting fighters in the 145-pound division. As of July 2025, he is ranked #2 in the UFC featherweight rankings, a reflection of his steady climb through one of the promotion’s deepest weight classes.
Now based in Puebla, Mexico, Lopes trains out of Lobo Gym MMA Brazilian Warriors and holds a second-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He made his professional debut in 2012 and built his reputation in Mexico’s LUX Fight League before eventually reaching the UFC. Known for his finishing ability, sharp grappling, and relentless pace, Lopes continues to be a central figure in the modern featherweight landscape.
Early Life and Background
Diego Lopes da Silva was born and raised in Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas state in northern Brazil. Growing up in a family where fighting was a tradition, he was introduced to Brazilian jiu-jitsu at a young age and began competing in the sport at just seven years old. The early discipline of regular training and tournament competition helped shape his identity as an athlete and gave him a strong technical foundation.
By the age of 16, Lopes had earned his purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a milestone that reflected years of consistent work on the mats. His progression through the belt ranks came alongside a growing interest in mixed martial arts, and he soon transitioned from pure grappling into full MMA training. This combination of family tradition, early competition experience, and dedicated coaching laid the groundwork for his professional career.
Path to MMA
Lopes began his professional MMA career in September 2012 in his home country of Brazil. He won his debut fight and quickly built momentum, compiling five wins against two losses over his next seven bouts. Those early appearances established him as a promising talent with a strong ground game and an aggressive style.
At 19, his career took a defining turn when his jiu-jitsu instructor offered him an opportunity to teach in Mexico. Lopes accepted, relocating to Puebla to coach Brazilian jiu-jitsu while continuing to sharpen his own skills. The move broadened his perspective as both a fighter and a teacher, and it was in Mexico that he eventually resumed his competitive career with renewed focus.
Diego Lopes Career
Early Career (2012-2018)
During his first stretch as a professional, Lopes competed primarily on the Brazilian regional scene, where he gained valuable experience against seasoned opponents. His record during this period showed flashes of his finishing instincts, particularly on the ground, and gave him the platform he needed to attract interest from larger promotions.
After settling in Mexico and refining his skills as a coach and competitor, Lopes signed with LUX Fight League, one of the country’s leading MMA organizations. This step marked his first sustained run inside a major promotion and set the stage for the championship success that would soon follow.
LUX Fight League Breakthrough (2018-2021)
Lopes made his LUX Fight League debut on October 5, 2018, at LUX 003, submitting Luis Guerrero in the first round. He followed that performance with two more wins, defeating Rony Jason and Alejandro Solano Rodríguez by unanimous decision, which earned him a shot at the promotion’s featherweight title.
On November 29, 2019, at LUX 007, Lopes faced then-champion Marco Beltrán and dethroned him with a first-round kneebar submission. He returned to defend the belt on March 12, 2021, at LUX 012, submitting Masio Fullen via armbar. Those results established Lopes as one of the top featherweights outside the UFC and brought him to the attention of American matchmakers.
Dana White’s Contender Series (2021)
Following his LUX reign, Lopes was invited to face Joanderson Brito on Season 37 of Dana White’s Contender Series on August 31, 2021. He lost the bout via technical decision after an eye poke in the final round and did not receive a UFC contract that night. However, his overall body of work was strong enough that the UFC eventually signed him.
UFC Era (2023-Present)
Lopes made his UFC debut on just five days’ notice at UFC 288 on May 6, 2023, stepping in for Bryce Mitchell against Movsar Evloev. He lost a unanimous decision, but the performance earned him the Fight of the Night award. He rebounded quickly, submitting Gavin Tucker with a first-round armbar at UFC on ESPN 50 on August 5, 2023, a win that brought his first Performance of the Night bonus.
At UFC 295 on November 11, 2023, Lopes stopped Pat Sabatini with a first-round TKO and collected his second Performance of the Night award. He continued his momentum at UFC 300 on April 13, 2024, dropping Sodiq Yusuff twice before finishing him by TKO in the opening round. After that victory, Lopes faced and defeated Dan Ige by unanimous decision at UFC 303, then outpointed Brian Ortega at UFC 306 on September 14, 2024. He also served as the backup fighter for the UFC 308 featherweight title bout between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway.
On April 12, 2025, Lopes challenged former champion Alexander Volkanovski for the vacant UFC Featherweight Championship in the main event of UFC 314. He lost by unanimous decision but added another Fight of the Night bonus. On September 13, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 259, he stopped Jean Silva with a second-round spinning elbow and follow-up punches, earning both a Performance of the Night and a Fight of the Night award. On February 1, 2026, at UFC 325, Lopes lost a unanimous decision to Volkanovski in a title rematch but secured another $100,000 Fight of the Night bonus. He most recently defeated Steve Garcia by second-round knockout at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026.
Style and Strengths
Lopes is best known for his high-pressure, finish-oriented style. His Brazilian jiu-jitsu base gives him a dangerous submission game, with twelve of his wins coming by tapout, while his striking has continued to evolve, producing highlight-reel knockouts such as his spinning elbow finish of Jean Silva. He is trained by Francisco Grasso at Lobo Gym MMA Brazilian Warriors, where he also helps coach the next generation of fighters.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his standout moments are his LUX Featherweight Championship win over Marco Beltrán, his rapid UFC rise that began with a short-notice debut, his two Performance of the Night bonuses earned in 2023, and his first UFC title shot against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 314. He has also earned multiple Fight of the Night awards and runs the Brazilian Warriors non-profit academy for underprivileged children in Puebla, Mexico.
Diego Lopes Career Wins
Across his professional career, Diego Lopes da Silva has compiled an extensive list of victories spanning regional shows in Brazil, the LUX Fight League in Mexico, and the UFC. His finishing rate is led by submission wins, reflecting his black-belt grappling pedigree, with additional victories by knockout and decision rounding out a versatile record.
LUX Fight League Highlights
Lopes went 4-0 inside the LUX Fight League cage, including three finishes, to capture and defend the LUX Featherweight Championship. His title-winning kneebar of Marco Beltrán at LUX 007 and his armbar defense against Masio Fullen at LUX 012 remain the defining moments of his run with the promotion.
UFC Highlights
Since joining the UFC in 2023, Lopes has earned multiple post-fight bonuses and signature finishes, including first-round submissions of Gavin Tucker and Pat Sabatini, a TKO of Sodiq Yusuff at UFC 300, a decision win over Brian Ortega at UFC 306, and a spinning-elbow knockout of Jean Silva at UFC Fight Night 259. He has also challenged for the UFC Featherweight Championship, facing Alexander Volkanovski twice in main events.
Diego Lopes Family
Family Background and Fighting Lineage
Diego Lopes da Silva grew up in Manaus in a household where fighting was a long-standing family tradition. That environment pushed him toward Brazilian jiu-jitsu at a young age and ultimately shaped his path into mixed martial arts.
Personal Life
Lopes resides in Puebla, Mexico, where he trains and coaches at Lobo Gym MMA Brazilian Warriors. He founded a non-profit jiu-jitsu academy called Brazilian Warriors, which provides training and support for underprivileged children in the region. As of 2025, he also serves as a brand ambassador under a multi-year UFC partnership with Spribe.
2025 Season Performance
Diego Lopes da Silva entered 2025 as one of the most active and visible fighters in the UFC featherweight division. His early-year focus centered on a reported booking against Yair Rodríguez, a matchup Lopes later said was never officially scheduled, keeping his calendar open for higher-profile opportunities.
That opportunity arrived on April 12, 2025, when he challenged former champion Alexander Volkanovski for the vacant UFC Featherweight Championship in the main event of UFC 314. Although he lost by unanimous decision, the performance was strong enough to earn another Fight of the Night award and reinforce his standing as a top contender. He returned to the win column in dominant fashion on September 13, 2025, finishing Jean Silva with a spinning elbow at UFC Fight Night 259 and taking home both Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses.
With a ranking inside the top five and a rematch already secured against Volkanovski, Lopes entered the closing stretch of 2025 firmly in the title picture. His combination of finishing ability, fan-friendly style, and consistent activity positioned him as one of the division’s most marketable stars heading into the new year.
