‘I’m next for the title’: Rising UFC star Diego Lopes threatens to ruin Alex Volkanovski’s title shot ambitions

Australian UFC great Alex Volkanovski has competition for the featherweight title he craves with Brazilian fighter Diego Lopes believing that a win over American Brian Ortega at UFC 306 will give him first crack.

Alex Volkanovski has competition for the featherweight title, with rising star Diego Lopes confident a win at UFC 306 this weekend will see him leapfrog the Aussie former champion.

The 29-year-old Lopes faces the toughest challenge of his career against Brian Ortega on the much-hyped card at The Sphere in Las Vegas, and a win will propel him into the top 10 of the rankings.

Volkanovski is hoping to secure another shot at the belt in Sydney if the UFC returns to the Harbour City in February as has been heavily speculated.

Current champion Ilia Topuria defends the belt against Max Holloway at UFC 308 in October, and Volk is adamant he deserves the next shot.

But the Mexico-based Brazilian Lopes says a big win this weekend will put him into title contention.

Lopes (L), is one of the most exciting fighters in the featherweight division. Picture: Getty Images

“I need the big win – I need a big declaration,” Lopes told this masthead. “I need a big submission, a big knockout to take the next step towards a title challenge.

“If I finish the fight like that, I’m sending my name straight to the UFC and I’m next for the title.”

Lopes understands Volkanovski will probably be next in line, but is confident he can change the UFC’s mind.

“People say Volkanovski is next, and that’s okay, the UFC has changed their plans before,” he said. “My goal is to finish the fight, change their plans and I fight for the title.”

Riding a four-fight winning streak, Lopes even has plans on fighting Volkanovski one day.

“I’m here to fight everyone,” he said. “I have so much respect for Volkanovski – he’s a legend in the division.

“But I’m here to fight everybody in the rankings.”

Volkanovski hasn’t fought since his loss to Ilia Topuria in February. Picture: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

It seems just a matter of time until Lopes does fight for the title, and the jiu jitsu wizard has already outline who he wants to fight for it.

“My dream fight is Max,” he said. “He’s a legend, he’s fought everyone.

“I like his style and he’s a good person, so that’s the dream fight.

“But if it’s for the title, Max, Ilia or Volk is okay.”

Lopes says a win this weekend could force Dana White (R) to give him a title shot. Picture: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Volkanovski turned himself into a UFC favourite by taking a short-notice fight against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev on 10 days’ notice.

Lopes went even better in June when his scheduled showdown with Ortega fell apart on the day of the fight when Ortega became ill.

That left Dan Ige to step in on just a few hours’ notice, with Lopes scoring a unanimous decision victory and winning over thousands of new fans in the process.

“It was so much stress, but my spirit is to fight,” he said. “Anyone, anywhere, anytime.

“I’d prepared for a jiu jitsu fighter like Brian, and had to change to fight Dan Ige, who’s a good boxer and good wrestler.

“But I like those challenges in my life.”

And is he concerned Ortega won’t show up again?

“Bro, I’m here for the fight and I’m staying in the fight – I’m fighting for everyone,” he said. “I hope Brian Ortega’s healthy.

“I’ve seen some videos and he looks good and healthy.”

Originally published as ‘I’m next for the title’: Rising UFC star Diego Lopes threatens to ruin Alex Volkanovski’s title shot ambitions