Diego Lopes is refusing to back down. While he did lose his championship fight against Alexander Volkanovski, the Brazilian is already looking ahead. And why not? Despite Volkanovski coming on top, Lopes did have a decent performance. There were moments when the Brazilian threatened to hurt ‘Volk.’ Thus, eyeing a quick comeback, Lopes now wants to face Yair Rodriguez next.
Yair Rodriguez has shown significant interest in clashing with Alexander Volkanovski. Now, with a lot of question marks regarding the fight, Lopes wants to cash in. In a recent statement, Lopes pointed out that he is ready to take on Rodriguez. The UFC featherweight prospect also stated that he is available to fight in September of this year.
“I’m available for [Noche UFC in September] to face Yair Rodriguez. I think it’s a fight everyone wants to see, but we’ll have to see if he accepts… If the UFC wants me to fight in September, I’d prefer to fight Yair,” said Lopes.
🚨 Diego Lopes calls out Yair Rodriguez to fight at #NocheUFC in September 👀🔥
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 7, 2025
"I'm available for [Noche UFC in September] to face Yair Rodriguez. I think it's a fight everyone wants to see, but we'll have to see if he accepts…
If the UFC wants me to fight in September, I'd… pic.twitter.com/KAFHYIUWxd
Now then, the entry of Lopes into the mix has made the featherweight scenario quite interesting. After Volkanovski’s win, the name of Movsar Evloev was being thrown around. And while that did not happen, rumors about Yair Rodriguez took over. And in a recent statement from Volkanovski, the rumors were indeed true.
Alexander Volkanovski Confirms Yair Rodriguez Rumors As Diego Lopes Fancies An Outside Chance
Yair Rodriguez has been rumored for a fight with Alexander Volkanovski. Despite several fans and critics dismissing the idea as an ‘uninteresting’ one, the champion has confirmed the rumors. ‘Volk’ pointed out recently that Rodriguez’s name has indeed been involved in the mix. However, there was no confirmation regarding the same. As of now, Volkanovski was still searching for his next date and opponent.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
“Nothing’s locked in. It’s pretty clear that it wasn’t gonna be Movsar… Yair’s name has popped up. No dates set right now… The rumors you’re hearing are pretty much true but nothing’s locked in,” Volkanovski said via ‘Main Event TV.’
🚨 Alexander Volkanovski says the rumors surrounding the rematch between him and Yair Rodriguez are true, but nothing is locked in yet
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 5, 2025
"Nothing's locked in. It's pretty clear that it wasn't gonna be Movsar… Yair's name has popped up. No dates set right now… The rumors you're… pic.twitter.com/tUAxvW2Uv8
Thus, with the Yair Rodriguez situation intensifying further with the Diego Lopes callout, it remains to be seen what happens next.
