Diego Lopes has never been one to mince his words. Only five months removed from going the distance with Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC featherweight championship, the Brazilian-born fighter is once again in the spotlight ahead of his UFC Noche clash with Jean Silva. Lopes is eyeing another run at the belt, but this time his path begins with a fellow Brazilian who has been quick to stir the pot.
Despite their shared roots, Lopes and Silva are heading into the Octagon carrying very different motivations. Lopes, who has chosen to represent Mexico, has found himself the subject of sharp words from Silva throughout the build-up. Silva, riding the wave of an impressive 13-fight win streak, has made it clear he is targeting Lopes not only in the cage but in the psychological warfare outside of it.
The tension reached new heights this week when Silva accused Lopes of avoiding a heated confrontation at their hotel during fight week. Lopes, however, wasted no time brushing the story aside, labeling it nothing more than fiction designed to rattle him before fight night.
“This is lies, all lies,” Lopes told Fox Sports Australia.
“This never happened.
“I was crossing the hotel and this guy, he was watching me.
“So I watch him, he says nothing.
“He was moving too.
“It’s all bulls***.
“He talks a lot of s*** … I’m sorry for the language but he talks a lot of s***.”
Silva has also made bold claims, even offering to bet his entire purse on Lopes failing to take him down. To Lopes, though, this is all part of a familiar game.
Asked if Silva was simply engaging in mind games, Lopes agreed.
“Oh yes, 100 per cent,” he said.
“He’s trying to put things in my mind.
“But it’s OK, bro.
“I’ve had a lot of fights.
“I have a lot of experience against different people, different styles, so for me, it’s OK.
“I’ve been in this game a long time so this isn’t new for me.
“But for him, it is new.
“He’s in a main event, has a lot of hype behind him.
“But that’s all OK.”
Respect for Volkanovski, Hopes for a Rematch
Even as Lopes prepares to trade blows with Silva, his ambitions stretch far beyond this weekend. The 29-year-old has been vocal about wanting another shot at Alexander Volkanovski, the Australian who defeated him in their April title bout. Despite coming up short, Lopes walked away with newfound respect for the reigning featherweight great.
“Bro, I definitely hope Volk is still there as champion because I want this rematch,” Lopes said.
“I respect him.
“And I’d be happy to share the Octagon again with him because I know now I’m a different athlete (after that first title fight).
“I’ve now shared the Octagon with Volk for 25 minutes.
“He’s one of the best guys in the world.
“One of the best in featherweight history, and I learned a lot in that fight.
“I’m a lot more confident now.
“Because there are things that won’t be new for me now in the Octagon.”
For Lopes, Volkanovski represents not just a rival but a measuring stick. Their first fight gave him a taste of what it means to battle one of the best in the sport. Now, armed with experience and growth, Lopes is determined to prove he belongs at the very top.
Backing Jack Della Maddalena Against the Odds
In addition to setting his sights on Volkanovski, Lopes has surprised many by throwing his support behind another Australian fighter—Jack Della Maddalena. The newly crowned UFC welterweight champion is scheduled to face Islam Makhachev at Madison Square Garden in November, in what will be his first title defense.
While Makhachev, widely regarded as the pound-for-pound No.1 fighter in the UFC, is the overwhelming favorite, Lopes sees something special in Della’s striking ability.
“I think Jack wins, and not just because I’m talking to somebody from Australia,” Lopes said with a laugh.
“I’m a big fan of Jack Della.
“I really like his boxing style.
“It’s some of the best in the UFC.
“I’ve been following him since the Contender series.
“And against Makhachev, yes this is a great fight.
“Islam Makhachev is pound for pound No.1.
“But I still think Jack still has advantages.
“He’s incredibly competitive and this would be a great first defence.”
Della Maddalena’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable, and Lopes believes that the West Australian has what it takes to cause one of the biggest upsets in recent UFC history. While bookmakers will have Della pegged as the underdog, Lopes’ words reflect a growing respect for his skills among fellow fighters.
Eyes on the Future
For Lopes, the fight with Silva is not just about silencing a trash-talking rival—it is about cementing his place among the featherweight elite. Every bout is a step toward redemption, a chance to refine his craft and edge closer to another title shot.
By dismissing Silva’s “lies” and embracing the challenge ahead, Lopes is showing the maturity of a fighter who has been through wars in the Octagon and knows what it takes to climb back to the top. And with one eye on Volkanovski and another on Della Maddalena’s potential stunner, Lopes’ perspective reflects a man who is both competitor and student of the game.
As UFC Noche approaches, the storyline is more than just Lopes versus Silva. It is about experience against hype, resilience against bravado, and one fighter’s relentless pursuit of greatness despite the noise that surrounds him.