Diego Lopes believes a long-discussed fight with Yair Rodriguez is now unlikely as he weighs a potential move from featherweight to lightweight.
Lopes and Rodriguez had a heated argument at a UFC 314 press conference in April 2025, stemming from an alleged confrontation between friends at a regional Mexican MMA event. More than a year later, the two have still not shared the Octagon, and Lopes says the matchup was not part of recent talks with the promotion.
"In the talk that I had with the UFC, he wasn't even mentioned," Lopes said. He added, "If we stop and analyze things, since the last time we both fought (on the same card), I've fought three times, and he hasn't fought. I don't know what the reason is, if they're personal or what, that's his matter, but when I spoke to the UFC, they didn't mention Yair to me. Let's see what happens. If the UFC changes their mind and they go, 'You know what, we want you main event vs. Yair at Noche UFC,' I have no problem with it. You already know me. I just want to fight."
Both men previously competed on the same card at UFC 324, where Lopes lost a featherweight title fight to Alexander Volkanovski and Rodriguez defeated Patricio Freire. Since then, Rodriguez has not returned to competition, while Lopes has fought Jean Silva, Volkanovski again, and Steve Garcia.
Lopes said he is open to opportunities in either division: "The truth is that I don't have a preference," he said. "Whatever pays more. I don't have a preference, whatever fight is best for me, that's the one I'm taking. I'm not waiting on anyone. I simply just want to fight."
