Diego Lopes’ Ethnicity, Nationality, & More: All About the UFC Star’s Background

UFC featherweight prospect, Diego Lopes has the opportunity to showcase his skills once again at the June 29 UFC 303 PPV, against former title contender Brian Ortega. Despite being in the promotion for just over a year, Lopes is turning into one of the most liked fighters in the division. This could be credited to his impressive performances inside the cage.

With a record of 24-6, with 22 finishes, it is without a doubt that Diego Lopes is one of the fighters in the division to look out for if they want to witness violence. However, given that Lopes is new to the promotion, there isn’t much known about him. So here is a little backcheck on the UFC featherweight.

What Is Diego Lopes’ Ethnicity and Nationality?

UFC Featherweight, Diego Lopes was born on the 30th of December, 1994 in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. Growing up in Brazil, it was reported that the UFC featherweight found his love for combat sports at quite an early age. Having started his career in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 7, he would become a purple belt by the age of 16.

Lopes would transition and make his professional MMA debut in 2012 and would go on to improve gradually in the local scenes, eventually making his UFC debut at UFC 288. He would go on to get crowned as MMA Fighting’s 2023 Rookie of the Year for his incredible performances against Movsar Evloev, Gavin Tucker, and Pat Sabatini.

Though Lopes lost in his MMA debut against Movsar Evloev back in UFC 288, Lopes would pull off everything he had in himself to win the fight. From barrages of submission to trying to make the Russian dig deep for the win, the 29-year-old Brazilian managed to earn the respect of the fight fans who tuned in to watch the fight. Lopes would go on to get the fight bonus and would finish his next two opponents in the first round.

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Diego Lopes’ gesture of love for parents

Diego Lopes, during an interview leading up to the fight against Pat Sabatini at UFC 295, seemed to have been filled with gratitude. Though it took over 12 years for the 29-year-old to make his way into the UFC octagon, he revealed that he was nothing but grateful for the position that he has put himself and his parents in.

In the interview, the Brazilian stated, “My life has changed in an incredible way, both professionally and personally, and I have received a lot of love from all the fans around the world. I’m at peace with myself without debt, and I’m proud to help my mom and dad have a better life now that money isn’t their biggest worry. With that, I am happy because I have fulfilled my promise with them.”

Diego Lopes still seems to have a ton to accomplish in the sport. However, will he get the win against another top featherweight star Brian Ortega at UFC 303? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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