Would Diego Lopes prefer Ilia Topuria or Max Holloway?

Diego Lopes could or could not discover himself in a UFC championship battle later this month.

The fan-favorite Brazilian will function the official backup for the UFC featherweight title battle between champion Ilia Topuria and former champ Max Holloway on Oct. 26 at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. This implies Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) has been coaching and can weigh in for the bout, simply in case both headliner is pressured to withdraw from the bout.

So who would Lopes relatively face in a really perfect situation: Topuria or Holloway?

“I undoubtedly would relatively battle with Ilia for the undisputed title. That may be wonderful,” Lopes informed MMA Junkie in Spanish. “We’ve additionally actually analyzed all the things. We’ve sat down to research each fighters. Folks may take this the improper means and say, ‘No, I don’t imagine him,’ however I feel for me, a battle towards Topuria could be a greater matchup for my fashion.

“It’s a battle that fits me. Towards Max, it’s a battle the place we’ve got to mount a extra complicated technique with no errors. With Topuria, as nicely, I’m not saying no, however I feel towards him issues could be extra favorable as a result of I wish to change and conflict, and I hit arduous. I’m able to knocking out individuals. And since Ilia throws with all the things and I throw with all the things, we will say it’s a shootout and let’s see who falls first. So the battle towards Ilia undoubtedly fits extra my fashion.”

Lopes beforehand informed MMA Junkie that his dream battle could be towards Holloway (26-7 MMA, 22-7 UFC). Nonetheless, beneath this situation, if he have been to battle Holloway it will doubtless be for an interim title, on condition that Topuria (15-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) is the champion. This makes a possible battle with Topuria a better option.

Lopes’ providers received’t be wanted if each fighters make weight and keep on track. If the battle does go down, Lopes sides with the previous champion.

“I’m nonetheless giving an edge to Holloway as a result of all of the expertise he has in that octagon and all of the fighters he’s confronted,” Lopes mentioned. “He’s additionally by no means been knocked out, however we all know something can occur, and Ilia has energy in his arms. Nonetheless, I’m nonetheless giving the benefit to Max.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 308.