Diego Lopes reacts to title fight vs. Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 314: 'I will not fail'

Hard work paid off for UFC featherweight contender Diego Lopes.

With UFC 145-pound champion Ilia Topuria relinquishing his title, Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) will take on former champ Alexander Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) for the vacant title in the UFC 314 main event April 12 at Kaseya Center from Miami.

Since joining the UFC roster in May 2023, Lopes has competed six times – including accepting Dan Ige as a replacement opponent at UFC 303 on just hours’ notice. He feels he’s done the company a solid with his activity, and is happy to be rewarded.

“I have worked like no one else in recent years, I have accepted challenges and dares that the UFC has put in front of me, I have said yes in every situation, even when it was not favorable for me. In less than 2 years within the UFC I will have my opportunity for the title. I will not fail. Dream, believe and make it happen. #AndNew.”

I have worked like no one else in recent years, I have accepted challenges and dares that the UFC has put in front of me, I have said yes in every situation, even when it was not favorable for me. In less than 2 years within the UFC I will have my opportunity for the title. I…

— Diego Lopes (@Diegolopesmma) February 20, 2025

After beating Ige at UFC 303 last June, Lopes dominated former title challenger Brian Ortega at UFC 306 this past September to emerge as a top contender.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 314.