Diego Lopes Next Fight: Is Yair Rodriguez Next at UFC 320 in Mexico?

Diego Lopes entered UFC 314 with dreams of claiming the vacant featherweight championship, but Alexander Volkanovski dashed those aspirations in the main event at the Kaseya Center in Miami. The Brazilian-Mexican fighter put up a valiant effort but ultimately lost via unanimous decision, with judges scoring the bout 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 in favor of Volkanovski.

Lopes started the fight cautiously, attempting to counter Volkanovski’s aggressive pace. While Volkanovski dominated the early rounds with crisp boxing and relentless pressure, Lopes found moments of success later in the fight. A clean two-punch combination in the second round briefly rattled Volkanovski, showcasing Lopes’ power and ability to capitalize on openings. Despite his efforts, Volkanovski’s experience and adaptability proved too much for Lopes, who struggled to maintain consistent offense against the former champion’s movement and counter-striking.

This loss marks a setback for Lopes, who had been riding a six-fight win streak heading into the bout. While he didn’t secure the belt, his performance against one of the greatest featherweights in UFC history demonstrated his toughness and potential to remain a top contender in the division.

– Left home to pursue the dream
– Went 18-3 before the UFC gave him a look
– Lost on DWCS
– Lost his next bout
– Took a short-notice debut against a top-5 guy (lost)
– Never. Looked. Back.
– Six wins in a row
– UFC title shot at #UFC314

History says Diego Lopes will be back. pic.twitter.com/bItRYbZo3P

— Nolan King (@mma_kings) April 13, 2025

Bad Blood Boils: Lopes vs. Rodríguez Showdown Brewing for UFC 320?

While Lopes fell short in his title bid, his rivalry with fellow featherweight Yair Rodríguez has become one of the most talked-about storylines heading out of UFC 314. The animosity between the two fighters erupted during a heated exchange at the pre-fight press conference, where security had to intervene to prevent things from escalating further.

WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! #UFC314

Diego Lopes and Yair Rodriguez are going AT IT 😱 pic.twitter.com/dwBBqPFcMA

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) April 10, 2025

The tension stems from personal accusations and professional rivalries. Rodríguez accused Lopes’ team of attacking his teammate Marco Beltrán years ago during a regional circuit event in Mexico—a claim Lopes denied while countering with allegations that Rodríguez had threatened a female member of his camp. The verbal sparring continued throughout the press conference, with both fighters trading insults in Spanish and warning each other about future consequences.

The drama has sparked calls for a matchup between the two fighters at UFC 320, set to take place in Guadalajara, Jalisco, México, this September. Given their shared ties to Mexico, Rodríguez as one of its top representatives and Lopes as a fighter who trains out of the country, the bout would carry significant stakes beyond rankings. Fans have already dubbed it one of the most anticipated potential fights of 2025.

For Lopes, a fight against Rodríguez offers a chance at redemption after his title loss and an opportunity to silence his rival on home soil. With both fighters ranked among the top featherweights, this clash could headline UFC 320 or serve as a co-main event alongside another marquee bout.

As tensions continue to rise between these two fiery competitors, one thing is certain, if Lopes vs. Rodríguez becomes official for UFC 320, it promises fireworks inside and outside the Octagon.