Diego Lopes predicts 'best fight' against Steve Garcia at UFC White House
Diego Lopes believes his title fight experience will separate him from Steve Garcia when the featherweights open the UFC White House card Sunday on the South Lawn.
Lopes returns for the first time since dropping a decision to Alexander Volkanovski in their rematch at UFC 325 in January. Garcia brings a seven-fight win streak, including six knockouts, and a first-round finish of David Onama in his inaugural headliner at UFC Vegas 110 last November.
Big-fight experience the difference for Lopes
Lopes told MMA Fighting that Garcia's surge reminds him of his own path before breaking into the featherweight top five. "Steve Garcia, now he's in a great position too," Lopes said, per the outlet. "This happened with me before I come to the top-five. I had the opportunity to fight for the No. 3 guy. [That] time it was with Brian Ortega, and I know the motivation for proving to stay in the top-five." Garcia holds a lopsided decision win against Calvin Kattar during his run.
The Brazilian thinks cage time against elite contenders gives him the edge. "Yeah, I think [experience], it's a big deal for me," he said. "It's a big factor, and think it's the big difference for this fight. I have the experience for fighting for my position in the UFC, I have the experience for fighting for the belt."
Lopes guaranteed fireworks from the opening bout, calling it a safe bet for Fight of the Night honors. "Oh man, the fans can expect like the best fight they've ever seen," he said. "Because I think Steve Garcia has the perfect style for putting on a great show. I have the style for put a great show. Always, I look for the finish, Steve Garcia, too." Both men have 22 and 15 career finishes, respectively.
He closed with a prediction: "I think, 100 percent, this fight is not going to go for the distance." The featherweight opener kicks off Sunday's historic card at the White House.
Original reporting:
Related Fighters & Stats
Get Ringside Updates
Fight announcements, results, and analysis delivered to your inbox. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.