Who has the best jiu-jitsu in the UFC featherweight division? Diego Lopes is confident that fans will soon get an answer to that question.
In the co-main event of UFC 303, on June 29, Lopes (23-6 MMA, 3-1 UFC) will face former UFC title challenger Brian Ortega (16-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC ). The two have combined for 20 submission victories and are considered some of the most dangerous finishers in the UFC.
That’s why Lopes said he thinks the next fight could very well define who is the best jiu-jitsu fighter in the UFC’s 145-pound division.
“I think if the fight goes to the ground, he’s a black belt, I’m a black belt and we both have the necessary skills to neutralize each other, but also the ability to test each other’s strength,” Lopes told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “I definitely think this could define who has the best jiu-jitsu in the category.
“I remember that when I arrived in the UFC and was moving up the division, many were already asking for this fight. Not now, but in the future to see who has the best jiu-jitsu. I think this comes at a great time, a pay-per-view card, International Fight Week, co-main event – what a great time to see who has the best jiu-jitsu. It’s going to be a war.”
Lopes has only been in the UFC for 13 months and his career has skyrocketed. From breaking into the rankings to growing popularity among the fan base, Lopes is excited to co-headline his first UFC pay-per-view event.
Lopes has had Ortega in his sights for some time and is thrilled to have this opportunity – even though it came so quickly.
“We both have similar styles: he has strength in his hands, good boxing and good jiu-jitsu too,” said Lopes about the fight against Ortega. “He is a fighter who started with a high-level ground game and gradually showed his evolution. This also happened to me. I’m a jiu-jitsu fighter who’s improving his hands. It’s a fight with very similar styles.
“I think whoever has the best strategy will win. We both only have two weeks, and that’s not a lot of time to develop a strategy. During a camp you create a strategy and, as you progress, you adjust it. But two weeks will go by quickly and I like this fight because of that.
“I’ve said this many times, I don’t want an easy fight. I want the toughest fights and Ortega is one of them. This fight motivates me a lot.”
For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to UFC 303.
