Diego Lopes is not attempting to overstep himself, but he wants to manifest certain aspirations in the universe.
The UFC featherweight is set to return to the cage on November 11 at UFC 295, where he will face the challenging opponent, Pat Sabatini. Despite having a scheduled fight and opponent, Lopes (22-6 MMA, 1-1 UFC) is not hesitating to mention other fighters he desires to face on his journey to the UFC featherweight championship. While he respects Sabatini (18-4 MMA, 5-1 UFC), Lopes wants to make it known that he has an interest in eventually fighting Bryce Mitchell.
“There are a few ranked fighters that I want to challenge,” Lopes revealed to MMA Junkie in Spanish. “One of them, and I must express my admiration for this matchup, is Bryce Mitchell. A fight against Mitchell would be a great opportunity for me, and it would inspire me greatly. He is a fighter with exceptional wrestling and jiu-jitsu skills. I seek challenging battles that bring out the best in me.”
After securing a first-round submission victory over Gavin Tucker in August, Lopes is motivated to climb the rankings with a win at UFC 295 and target other ranked fighters like Mitchell.
“My plan is to win my fight on November 11 and hopefully secure a spot in the rankings,” Lopes explained. “I have analyzed the top 15 fighters, and many of them are coming off losses. I don’t wish misfortune upon anyone, but perhaps I can take someone’s place in the rankings. Then, next year, I aim to have a minimum of three fights against high-quality opponents and gradually establish myself as a title contender by the end of 2024 or early 2025. That’s my plan.”
For further information on the event, please visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 295.
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
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