--- title: "Lopes’ lightweight pivot could shake up UFC divisions" description: "After two straight losses to champion Alexander Volkanovski, Diego Lopes is weighing a move to 155 lbs to revive his title hopes and reshape featherweight contention." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/diego-lopes-considers-move-to-lightweight-after-ufc-featherw-1ccb1810 published: 2026-07-03T10:46:15.355+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T10:46:15.355+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["mma"] --- # Lopes’ lightweight pivot could shake up UFC divisions > After two straight losses to champion Alexander Volkanovski, Diego Lopes is weighing a move to 155 lbs to revive his title hopes and reshape featherweight contention. UFC featherweight contender Diego Lopes is seriously considering a drop to lightweight after back-to-back losses to champion Alexander Volkanovski left him frozen out of title contention. The two-time title challenger told MMA Fighting he’d prefer to fight at 155 if forced to pick one weight class, citing the logjam at 145 where Volkanovski, Ilia Topuria, and Steve Garcia occupy the top spots. Lopes’ last two fights ended in decision losses to Volkanovski—first at UFC 298 in February 2024, then at UFC 300 in April 2024—both in the main event. Those results pushed him out of the immediate title picture and into a holding pattern at featherweight. At 145, Lopes’ path to another shot is narrow. Volkanovski remains champion until at least late 2025, Topuria is the mandatory challenger, and Garcia is next in line. Moving to 155 would bypass that congestion and reopen title contention lanes, though it requires UFC approval and a cleanout of existing lightweight commitments. Lopes’ camp has privately signaled the move is under serious discussion, with a potential lightweight debut eyed for late 2024 or early 2025 if negotiations align. The shift would also force the UFC to recalibrate lightweight rankings and could accelerate Justin Gaethje’s next steps after his own recent lightweight outings. UFC lightweight contender Justin Gaethje called the division “wide open” after his split decision win over Michael Chandler at UFC 301, framing the moment as one where new names can rise. “It’s anyone’s division right now,” Gaethje told reporters post-fight. “If someone like Lopes comes in fresh and dangerous, that changes everything.” The UFC has not publicly commented on Lopes’ weight-class intentions. What’s next: The UFC’s lightweight rankings committee will review any formal move from Lopes, likely after UFC Freedom 250 in July 2024. If approved, his lightweight debut could land on a card in late 2024, reshaping both divisions and forcing contenders like Gaethje and Beneil Dariush to adjust their timelines. ## Why this matters Lopes’ potential move to lightweight exposes the UFC’s divisional rigidity and fighter frustration with stacked rankings. A successful shift could force the promotion to rethink title paths at 145 and inject fresh energy into 155, where Gaethje’s next run remains unsettled. It also tests whether the UFC will greenlight weight-class changes mid-contract, a decision that could set a precedent for other fighters trapped in logjams. ## Frequently asked ### Why is Diego Lopes considering a move to lightweight? Lopes told MMA Fighting he’s blocked at featherweight by Alexander Volkanovski, Ilia Topuria, and Steve Garcia. Dropping to 155 would reopen title contention lanes and give him a clearer path to another shot. ### What were Lopes’ recent results against Volkanovski? Lopes lost by decision to Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February 2024, then again at UFC 300 in April 2024, both in main events. Those losses pushed him out of immediate title contention at 145. ### When could Lopes debut at lightweight? His camp has eyed a late 2024 or early 2025 lightweight debut if the UFC approves the move. The lightweight rankings committee will review any formal request likely after UFC Freedom 250 in July 2024. ### How would Lopes’ move impact the lightweight division? It would shake up the rankings and force contenders like Justin Gaethje and Beneil Dariush to recalibrate their timelines. Gaethje called the division “wide open” after his win at UFC 301, framing Lopes as a potential disruptor. ### Has the UFC commented on Lopes’ potential move? No. The UFC has not publicly addressed Lopes’ reported interest in dropping to 155 lbs. Any formal change would require approval from the lightweight rankings committee. ### What’s the timeline for a decision on Lopes’ weight class? The UFC’s lightweight rankings committee will likely review a formal move after UFC Freedom 250 in July 2024. If approved, Lopes could debut at lightweight by late 2024. ## Sources & Citations - [Diego Lopes considers move to lightweight after UFC featherweight stalemate](https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Diego-Lopes-considers-move-to-lightweight-after-UFC-featherweight-stalemate-201726) — Sherdog (2026-07-02) --- Cite: Lopes’ lightweight pivot could shake up UFC divisions. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/diego-lopes-considers-move-to-lightweight-after-ufc-featherw-1ccb1810