At one point, Diego Lopes vs. Yair Rodriguez was one of the most talked-about potential bouts in MMA.. After the two exciting strikers got into a heated argument at a press conference for UFC 314 in April 2025, fans were hyped to see Lopes (28-8 MMA, 7-3 UFC) and Rodriguez throw down to settle their long-standing beef, which stems from an alleged confrontation between friends at a regional Mexican MMA event. However, it’s been over a year since the incident, and the two have yet to meet in the cage. With Diego looking at a move to 155 pounds, the bout seems unlikely – which doesn’t bother Lopes.. Advertisement. Advertisement. Advertisement. “In the talk that I had with the UFC, he wasn’t even mentioned,” Lopes told Hablemos MMA in Spanish. “If we stop and analyze things, since the last time we both fought (on the same card), I’ve fought three times, and he hasn’t fought. I don’t know what the reason is, if they’re personal or what, that’s his matter, but when I spoke to the UFC, they didn’t mention Yair to me. Let’s see what happens. If the UFC changes their mind and they go, ‘You know what, we want you main event vs. Yair at Noche UFC,’ I have no problem with it. You already know me. I just want to fight.”. Lopes and Rodriguez both fought at UFC 324. Lopes lost in a featherweight championship fight to Alexander Volkanovski, and Rodriguez defeated a debuting ex-Bellator champion in Patricio Freire. Since, Rodriguez has yet to make a return, while Lopes fought Jean Silva, Volkanovski a second time, and more recently Steve Garcia.. For Lopes, activity is a priority. He wouldn’t mind sticking around at featherweight to fight Rodriguez, but fears he might have to wait for it.. “The truth is that I don’t have a preference,” Lopes said. “Whatever pays more. I don’t have a preference, whatever fight is best for me, that’s the one I’m taking. I’m not waiting on anyone. I simply just want to fight.”. This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Diego Lopes indifferent about settling beef with Yair Rodriguez fight
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