Diego Lopes weighs in twice at UFC White House as backup

Diego Lopes stepped on the scale twice Friday in Washington, D.C., first for his scheduled bout with Steve Garcia and then as emergency cover for the UFC White House main event.

The Brazilian featherweight hit 146 pounds for his Garcia matchup, which opens Sunday's card at the JW Marriott. Hours later, per MMA Fighting, he returned to register 154 pounds as a potential alternate for the lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. A statement on UFC.com confirmed Lopes is available to step in for either champion should one pull out before the opening bell.

Lopes no stranger to late-notice chaos

The double weigh-in drew laughs from reporters on site, but Lopes has earned his reputation as the promotion's go-to backup. At UFC 303 in June 2024, illness forced Brian Ortega out of their co-main event on fight day. Dan Ige took the bout on hours' notice at a 165-pound catchweight, and Lopes agreed to the switch without hesitation.

Now he sits one weight class above his contracted bout, ready to salvage the lightweight championship if needed. UFC White House takes place Sunday evening in the nation's capital.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — UFC White House video: Diego Lopes weighs in for 2 fights, including main event backup spot