Diego Lopes knows a thing or two about the UFC 333 headliners.
Alexander Volkanovski (28-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) defends his UFC featherweight title against Movsar Evloev (20-0 MMA, 10-0 UFC) on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi (Paramount+).
Lopes put up a valiant effort in his UFC debut against Evloev but fell short in a Fight of the Night battle. He then won five consecutive fights to earn a shot against Volkanovski at UFC 314 but was defeated by unanimous decision. He rebounded with a finish over Jean Silva to earn a title-fight rematch against Volkanovski at UFC 325 – which he lost again.
Seeing Volkanovski still competing at the highest level at 38 has convinced Lopes he will win.
"This is a tough fight for both," Lopes told MMA Junkie Radio.
"So, I don't know if Movsar can put pressure on Volkanovski on the cage, on the ground. I still think Volk. He beat me two times, so I know he's still here. I still think Volkanovski can take that. He's a big legend in this sport. Yeah, the door would open at '45 (if Volkanovski loses), but now I think I have a couple of interesting things at 155."
Lopes (28-8 MMA, 7-3 UFC) will seek new life when he makes his lightweight debut against BMF champion Charles Oliveira (37-11 MMA, 25-11 UFC) in the UFC 335 main event on Dec. 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Diego Lopes makes pick for Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev UFC 333 fight
