Diego Lopes lands in trouble for nationality status after facing disagreement from UFC 314 star Yair Rodriguez

Former UFC featherweight interim champion Yair Rodriguez shares annoyance over Diego Lopes representing Mexico despite being born in Brazil.

Diego Lopes lands in trouble for nationality status after facing disagreement from UFC 314 star Yair Rodriguez

Yair Rodriguez slams Diego Lopes over national identity (via Imago/X)

Yair Rodriguez and Diego Lopes are set to compete at UFC 314, taking place this weekend at the Kaseya Center. Lopes will challenge former champion Alexander Volkanovski for the vacant featherweight title in the main event. Meanwhile, Rodriguez will face former Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull, a battle that promises to deliver fast-paced, thrilling action . 

Lopes is one of the most promising prospects on the current UFC roster, and will enter the title bout with much momentum. Despite hailing from Brazil, Lopes represents Mexico in the octagon. His decision has drawn criticism from fellow fighter Rodriguez, who expressed his disapproval in a recent rant ahead of the fight. 

I have been living in the US for over 10 years… but not because of that I’m gonna say I’m American. I’m not, I’m Mexican. I’m proud of it…I just don’t agree with [Diego representing Mexico]. I will never be that way, and I don’t want to be that way…I have been killing myself for over the last 10 years for my country. If they decide to go with him if we have to fight, that’s on them.

Yair Rodriguez via UFC 314 Media Day 
YouTube video

Lopes was born in Manaus, Brazil, and initially trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he honed his grappling skills at a young age. He transitioned to MMA in his teens, seeking broader opportunities and the chance to evolve as a fighter. His decision to pursue MMA led him to train under some of Mexico’s most renowned coaches, learning essential striking techniques.

 In 2015, Lopes moved to Mexico, attracted by the country’s growing MMA scene and the opportunity to improve his skill set. There, he trained under Francisco Grasso, the head coach at Lobo Gym, a facility well-known for developing top-level fighters. Grasso’s mentorship helped refine Lopes’ striking, while his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background remained a strong asset in the cage. 

Rodriguez is a former interim featherweight champion and currently ranks number five in the division by official rankings. The Mexican fighter is extremely motivated to secure a crucial victory this Saturday and earn his second title opportunity. Considering the stakes involved, Rodriguez might face Lopes next if the Brazilian defeats Volkanovski in the main event at UFC 314.

Diego Lopes is the biggest challenge for the former featherweight champion

Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes fight took place after Ilia Topuria vacated the belt in order to move up. Lopes has become a fan favorite due to his aggressive style, finishing ability, and charismatic presence during public appearances. Despite being a former champion, Volkanovski must prove he still belongs at the top after recent losses and growing doubters.

Alexander Volkanovski face to face with Diego Lopes
Alexander Volkanovski face to face with Diego Lopes (via X)

To reclaim dominance, Volkanovski needs a decisive performance showcasing his elite striking, cardio, and championship experience under immense pressure. At the age of 35, many fans and experts are doubtful about the Aussie superstar’s potential to win. In a recent interview, the ‘Great’ made his intentions clear.

I’ve never been in this situation before… so it’s definitely the biggest fight. It really is. The biggest fight of my career. Everyone’s gonna go, ‘Yeah, you’ve done enough’, but I haven’t. I could do a lot more and it starts this weekend. It starts on Satuday with this new title reign. When you talk about legacy, it doesn’t get much bigger than this. The comeback is gonna be real. This is sh*t people write books about, write movies about.

Alexander Volkanovski via UFC 314 Media Day

Volkanovski seems confident heading into the fight, showing no signs of doubt despite the rising hype surrounding Lopes lately. He can beat Lopes by using his superior footwork, constant pressure, and ability to mix in takedowns to disrupt rhythm. By avoiding wild exchanges and controlling pace, Volkanovski can nullify Lopes’ strengths. Whatever happens, UFC 314 is a few days away for the fans to witness the title fight.

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