​Diego Lopes is weighing a change of scenery as he contemplates moving up to lightweight after his latest win at UFC Freedom 250, where he defeated Steve Garcia. The two-time challenger in the UFC featherweight title scene remains among the top contenders, but back-to-back losses to current champion Alexander Volkanovski have sidelined him from the title picture. Lopes discussed his future with MMA Fighting, saying it’s difficult to stay in the same weight class while Volkanovski remains champion, and expressing a desire to compete at 155 pounds for an exciting matchup. He noted he spoke with the UFC recently and that discussions centered more on the lightweight division than featherweight. Lopes also highlighted that he served as the backup for Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 and would be open to fighting in both divisions if the UFC allows, but if forced to choose, he would lean toward 155 pounds given the current landscape. He emphasized that if the opportunity arises to balance both divisions, he’d welcome it, but otherwise he’d likely settle on moving up to lightweight.