Jun 29, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Diego Lopes (blue gloves) prepares to fight Dan Ige (not pictured) during UFC 303 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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UFC Analysis: Diego Lopes Deserves To Be The 2024 ‘UFC Breakout Fighter Of The Year’

Diego Lopes deserves 2024 UFC Breakout Fighter of the Year for his impressive skills, determination, and rapid rise!

Jun 29, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Diego Lopes (blue gloves) prepares to fight Dan Ige (not pictured) during UFC 303 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The best stories in fighting come from unexpected places. Back in early 2023, few people knew Diego Lopes’ name when he stepped up on short notice to face Movsar Evloev in the UFC. Though he lost that debut fight, something special caught everyone’s eye.

He was a Brazilian featherweight with slick moves and a unique hairstyle that made him stand out from the crowd. Fast forward to 2024, and what a year it’s been for Lopes! His performances have put him on the top for the award for ‘Breakout Fighter Of The Year.’

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Diego Lopes’ 2024 UFC Run

Lopes started with a bang against Sodiq Yusuff at UFC 300. The Brazilian showed what he was capable of with a first-round KO. He was up against a 3-hour short-notice Dan Ige at UFC 303, headlined by Jiri Prochazka vs. Alex Pereira 2. The fight was a unanimous decision, but it showed everyone exactly what kind of fighter Lopes is.

DIEGO LOPES FINISHES SODIQ EARLY AND WE HAVE ANOTHER CONTENDER AT 145 #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/YruU9ADZs7
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) April 14, 2024

However, it was his performance against Brian Ortega at UFC 306 at the Sphere that really sealed the deal. Facing a veteran who had been in there with the best, Lopes didn’t just win – he dominated. His movement was fluid, his timing was perfect, and his confidence was through the roof. That signature mohawk bounced around the octagon as he picked apart a former title challenger, making it look almost easy.

DIEGO LOPES JUST DROPPED BRIAN ORTEGA 😱

[ #UFC306 at @RiyadhSeason #NocheUFC live RIGHT NOW on @ESPNPlus PPV ] pic.twitter.com/0N8tHWW2VH
— UFC (@ufc) September 15, 2024

Each fight showed a different side of his game, from his crisp striking to his sneaky submissions. The way he mixed up his attacks kept opponents guessing and fans cheering.

What makes Lopes’ rise even more impressive is how he’s handled success. He even went to corner Alexa Grasso right after his fight. This showcased his dedication to his team and the sport as well. He has this natural charm that makes it impossible not to root for him. The guy is serious about fighting but doesn’t take himself too seriously, a rare combination in the fight game.

What Is Next For Diego Lopes?

Now ranked third in the featherweight division, Diego Lopes has his sights set on bigger things. He’s been vocal about wanting a shot at Alexander Volkanovski, and honestly, who can blame him? The confidence isn’t just talk either.

He even stepped up as the backup fighter for the title fight between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway at UFC 308. That’s the kind of ready-for-anything attitude that champions are made of! There were rumors that he would face Josh Emmett. However, nothing has been confirmed as of yet.

(Image Credits: Mark J. Relibas – Imagn Images)

Brian Ortega

Dan Ige

Diego Lopes

Movsar Evloev

Soddiq Yusuf

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!