“Looking for a five-round fight,” Alex Grasso’s BJJ trainer calls for a main event fight against Bryce Mitchell after brutal KO win at UFC 295

Diego Lopes who served Alexa Grasso as a BJJ coach, called out Bryce Mitchell for a five round fight.

“Looking for a five-round fight,” Alex Grasso’s BJJ trainer calls for a main event fight against Bryce Mitchell after brutal KO win at UFC 295

Diego Lopes wants main event against Bryce Mitchell (Instagram/IMAGO)

Diego Lopes was Alexa Grasso’s BJJ instructor who made his debut in the UFC this May. Recently, he put on a splendid performance in his win over Pat Sabatini in UFC 295. He was known for his Jiu-Jitsu skills but shocked everyone with a first-round knockout. Later, in the post-fight press conference, he expressed his interest in fighting Bryce Mitchell next.

Bryce Mitchell is currently ranked number ten and is highly regarded for his Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling skills. Diego Lopes had made a name for himself in the UFC in this short period. With two quick finishes in his last two fights, he may get his ranked opponent soon. As such, he called out Mitchell and expressed his interest in a 5 round main-event fight against him. Here is what he said (through a translator):

“Let’s see what the rankings are on Tuesday but I think if I’m ranked I feel that fighting Bryce Mitchell would be a good fight. I think he’s somebody that’s been looking for a five-round fight, so why not having a main event and if the UFC wants it, I’ll be right there to fight him.”

Diego Lopes during post fight interview at UFC 295
YouTube video

The Brazilian made his debut as a replacement fighter for Bryce Mitchell against Movsor Evloev in UFC 288. Evloev was undefeated and ranked number 10 (then), but Lopes took his chance on a five-day notice. Although Evloev won the fight convincingly, Lopes almost ended the fight with a submission but it went to the judges in the end.

FS Video

Later, he won his first fight in the UFC against Gavin Tucker via submission in the first round. This set up the fight with Sabatini which didn’t take him more than 90 seconds to finish.

Currently, Diego Lopes is looking to fight Bryce Mitchell for his next fight. Mitchell recently won his fight against Dan Ige in September. He is ranked number 10 in the featherweight division. This fight with Mitchell would serve as a stepping stone for Lopes if it happens and he manages to win.

What is the relationship between Diego Lopes and Alexa Grasso?

Diego Lopes and Alexa Grasso have known each other for a long time. They both train at the Lobo Gym in Jalisco, Mexico. Further, Lopes serves Grasso as a Jiu-Jitsu instructor. He was a big part of Grasso pulling an upset against Valentina Shevchenko.

The Mexican took Shevchenko’s back as she spun for a kick, and locked in a rear naked choke to win the fight. This move was practiced countless times in the gym by them.

Diego Lopes and Alexa Grasso training together (via agfight.com)

Alexa Grasso also helped Diego Lopes when he fought in Dana White’s contender series back in 2021. Although Lopes couldn’t make it to the UFC then, now he’s here. Since then, both of them supported and helped each other. Lopes was also seen at the corner of Grasso for her recent fights. He was there when Grasso won her flyweight title.

Diego Lopes had won two fights in the first round making a mark in the UFC. As such, he was looking for a ranked opponent to fight next. On the other hand, the flyweight champion defended her belt against Shevchenko in their rematch and is now looking for the next title challenger.

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