UFC featherweight contender Diego Lopes has vowed to come back stronger after falling short in his first title opportunity.
Having won all five of his subsequent Octagon appearances following a competitive debut defeat to the undefeated Movsar Evloev in 2023, Lopes had his first chance to reach the mountaintop at UFC 314.
But while the Brazilian found moments of success against Alexander Volkanovski in Saturday’s pay-per-view main event, he was ultimately unable to do enough to earn victory on the scorecards.
Though no doubt disappointed to be leaving Miami without the featherweight gold in his possession, Lopes doesn’t appear too disheartened and is optimistic about what the future holds for him.
“Always with my head held high, a smile on my face,” Diego Lopes wrote on X. “I fell short last night, I failed in a few things. I’ll get back to work, improve, correct the mistakes, and move forward. Thank you all for your support. As I always say, ‘NOTHING HAPPENS.'”
While Lopes looks ahead to his attempt at immediately returning to the winner’s circle, Volkanovski’s second reign is underway. Many have been quick to call for his first defense to come against Evloev later this year.
