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Aljamain Sterling Calls for Diego Lopes Clash, Eyes Featherweight Title Shot

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Sep 15, 2025 8:39 PM ET

Former bantamweight king Aljamain Sterling has set his sights on one of the UFC featherweight division’s hottest names. After watching Diego Lopes stop Jean Silva in spectacular fashion at Noche UFC, Sterling said he wants Lopes next with the winner advancing to a title shot. Sterling (25-5 MMA, 17-5 UFC) has quickly adapted since moving up to 145 pounds. After dropping a hard-fought decision to unbeaten contender Movsar Evloev. He rebounded with back-to-back wins over Calvin Kattar and former title challenger Brian Ortega this past August. Now, with momentum behind him, the ex-bantamweight champion believes a showdown with Lopes is the logical next step.

“It makes sense. He’s hot right now, I’m hot right now winner fights for the belt,” Sterling suggested.

Aljamain Sterling calls out Diego Lopes to a title eliminator fight pic.twitter.com/5wDkiDEmFr

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 14, 2025

Lopes Wants Another Crack at Gold

Lopes (27-7 MMA, 6-2 UFC) is coming off one of his most eye-catching performances yet. The Brazilian fan-favorite floored Silva with a spinning elbow before sealing the finish with punches late in Round 2 at UFC Fight Night 259. The win came just months after Lopes fell short in his first title opportunity against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 314.

Lopes admitted after the Silva victory that he expects at least one more fight before another crack at the belt a stance that lines up perfectly with Sterling’s callout.

The Champion Weighs In

Volkanovski (27-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC), who retained his featherweight crown in April, recently addressed his next steps and made it clear the division has options. He named Sterling, Lopes, Evloev (19-0), and Lerone Murphy (17-0-1) as the four leading contenders.

With Sterling and Lopes both surging, a matchup between the two could settle who deserves the next big stage opposite the reigning champion.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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