UFC featherweights Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev have reignited their rivalry.
After a whirlwind of a week, Lopes (25-6 MMA, 4-1 UFC) defeated four-hour notice replacement Dan Ige in this past Saturday’s UFC 303 co-main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Ige replaced Brian Ortega, who fell ill on the night of the fight.
Lopes expressed interest in a rematch with Evloev after his UFC 300 win over Sodiq Yusuff. Now Evloev (18-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) is willing to grant his wish, vowing to finish him if they rematch.
“Hey @Diegolopesmma, I wanna give you a rematch at the Sphere because @funkmasterMMA is running for his life, and this time I’m gonna finish you.”
Hey @Diegolopesmma, I wanna give you a rematch at the Sphere because @funkmasterMMA is running for his life, and this time I’m gonna finish you.
— Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC) July 2, 2024
Lopes called for his fight with Ortega to be rebooked for UFC 306 at the Sphere. He appears to have moved on from Evloev.
“Have you finally realized that the way the UFC pays attention to you is by mentioning my name? Or are you afraid that tomorrow morning I’ll be in your place in the rankings? It took you 3 months to get back to me. Sit back and watch the big guys do the work.”
Have you finally realized that the way the UFC pays attention to you is by mentioning my name? Or are you afraid that tomorrow morning I'll be in your place in the rankings? It took you 3 months to get back to me. Sit back and watch the big guys do the work. https://t.co/WeeRx2nNVz
— Diego Lopes
(@Diegolopesmma) July 2, 2024
Evloev wasn’t impressed with Lopes’ performance against Ige, who was able to rally late. After two strong rounds, Lopes appeared to slow down in Round 3.
“Diego you lost six times, you’ve been knocked out by two guys, bums. Dan Ige took a fight on 4 hours notice and In the third round he exposed you. Don’t talk too much you trash!”
Diego you lost six times, you’ve been knocked out by two guys, bums. Dan Ige took a fight on 4 hours notice and In the third round he exposed you. Don’t talk too much you trash! https://t.co/iuabRh0KTC
— Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC) July 2, 2024
Since Evloev defeated Lopes at UFC 288, he picked up another decision win over Arnold Allen at UFC 297. Meanwhile, Lopes has fought four times since making his debut on short notice against Evloev. Lopes fired back at Evloev for his lack of activity.
“On Saturday night, Dan and I did something you would never do in your life. You’ve only had one fight in 13 months. You have no right to anything. First you seek to finish someone, or at least try to get a submission.
.”
On Saturday night, Dan and I did something you would never do in your life. You've only had one fight in 13 months. You have no right to anything. First you seek to finish someone, or at least try to get a submission.
https://t.co/qgFYc7yfsY
— Diego Lopes
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 303.
