MORRISTOWN, N.J. – Diego Lopes knows what playing spoiler at UFC 288 could do for his career.
Lopes (21-5 MMA, 0-0 UFC) replaces Bryce Mitchell on five days’ notice against Movsar Evloev (16-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) on Saturday’s main card opener at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN/ESPN+.
Not only is Lopes facing a highly touted undefeated fighter, but also one who’s ranked in the UFC’s top 15 featherweight standings.
“If no one wants to fight him, here I am,” Lopes said Wednesday during UFC 288 media day through an interpreter. “I showed up to fight. I think it’s a great opportunity for my career, I think people know me for taking fights on short notice, and on Saturday they’re gonna know even more about me.”
The short-notice nature of the fight makes it an even bigger challenge for Lopes, but the Dana White’s Contender Series alum said he’s been staying ready.
“I’m always kind of tuned into my division, the guys in my division,” Lopes said. “I’m also always training to be in a fight. So, obviously I wasn’t expecting it, but I was prepared.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 288.
