How can Dana White Solve the Controversy in the Featherweight Divsion
By Tim Burke October 29, 2024 12:08
Dana White and the UFC ended speculation about Ilia Topuria's next opponent just minutes after UFC 308. During Topuria's Interview with Daniel Cormier, he was asked who he would like to face next: Alexander Volkanovski or Diego Lopes.
Before he could even answer, Volkanovski entered the octagon, and Topuria verbally agreed to the rematch.
"Volkanovski is one of those guys; we won't say no to Volkanovski. He's been that guy for us anytime we've needed him." White stated at the UFC 308 post-fight press conference.
However, the same can be said for Diego Lopes. Three wins in 2024. Accepting a fight at UFC 303 on two weeks' notice, the fight weight was changed three times to 145, 155, and 165, and the fight with a new opponent was accepted on three hours' notice. UFC gave him the option not to fight and still get paid; Lopes accepted anyway. He took on a fight with all risk and no reward and fought a little more than two months later and defeated the #3 ranked featherweight.
In 2024, Diego Lopes was that guy for the UFC that Volkanovski had been for so many years.
He deserves to be rewarded. The UFC is in a tough predicament with Diego Lopes. Does the UFC have one of their most active stars sit on the sidelines and wait for a title shot? Do they risk having their fastest rising star one against another contender?
"As soon as Volk flinched to walk towards that cage, Lopes should have sprinted in front of him. I'm just sharing this with you. It's bad politics for me to tell you that it's going to be a mistake because I'm not going to get my way anyhow. But that's still how I feel about it. Lopes is the guy." Chael Sonnen stated on his YouTube channel.
So, how does the UFC fix this issue? Simple. Diego Lopes should fight Max Holloway at 155 pounds for the BMF title. Lopes illustrated that he is worthy of the BMF title at UFC 303. Not many fighters would have fought at UFC 303 if they were in shoes. Lopes presses forward and is all action, all the time. Diego Lopes deserves to fight for the featherweight title, but given the log jam at the top of the division, the UFC cannot give him that title shot. But they can give him a title shot.
Holloway needs an opponent to defend the BMF belt, and the Contenders for the BMF belt are busy. Michael Chandler is scheduled to face Charles Olivera at UFC 309. Hopefully, after that, his opponent will be Conor McGregor. If Olivera beats Michael Chandler at UFC 309 as expected, he will fight for the lightweight title. Nobody knows when or if Conor McGregor will fight again.
The UFC can always rely on Diego Lopes as a worthy contender. Any time they need him, Diego Lopes is ready. A chance at the BMF title would elevate Diego Lopes's stardom in the UFC. Holloway vs Lopes is the fight to make for the next BMF title fight.
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