UFC Noche Almost Had the Perfect Main Event After Diego Lopes Reveals Fight Offer

Currently holding a record of 26–7, Lopes has put together a string of strong performances against the likes of Dan Ige and Brian Ortega. This has cemented his place as one of the most exciting names in the division. However, he fell short in his last outing, where he challenged Alexander Volkanovski for the vacant featherweight belt but lost via unanimous decision.

Another winning run could possibly provide the Brazilian fighter another opportunity at the title. For now, Diego Lopes’ attention is firmly on Silva, but the conversations surrounding both Pico and Rodriguez highlight just how many doors are opening for him.

Fans continue to debate which matchup makes the most sense, but Lopes’ readiness to face anyone has kept him at the center of the discussion. However, a matchup between Lopes and Rodriguez still lingers as a compelling possibility should Lopes get past Silva.

Why is there so much animosity between Diego Lopes and Yair Rodriguez?

The tension between Diego Lopes and Yair Rodriguez first ignited during the press buildup to UFC 314, when ‘El Pantera’ targeted Lopes for claiming Mexican representation despite being born in Brazil. Rodriguez called attention to Lopes’s growing support among Mexican fans, saying he had “bled” and “cried for Mexico,” and felt it was unfair for a non–native to be hailed in the same way.

Lopes pushed back, expressing gratitude toward Mexico and stressing that they came from entirely different stories, defending his identity as someone who represents both nations. However, Rodriguez also called out the Brazilian fighter for assaulting his friend, Marco Beltran.

Soon after, Diego Lopes claimed that Rodriguez had threatened a member of his camp, warning, “Don’t talk about anyone on my team or you will suffer the consequence.” However, the two began trading insults in Spanish and almost came to blows during the press conference.

Security had to step in as both fighters traded, and the tension was palpable enough to spark widespread speculation over a potential future matchup.

Moreover, the involvement of Beltran, who is Rodriguez’s long-time friend, brought old tensions back into the spotlight. Beltran suffered a loss to Lopes in 2019 at a LUX Fight League event. That defeat has remained a sore memory for Rodriguez and his circle. The connection has since fueled a simmering feud between the two camps.