Who’s acquired one of the best jiu-jitsu within the UFC’s featherweight division? Diego Lopes is assured followers quickly will get a solution to that query.
Within the co-main occasion of UFC 303 on June 29, Lopes (23-6 MMA, 3-1 UFC) will cross paths with former UFC title challenger Brian Ortega (16-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC). The 2 have mixed for 20 submission wins and are considered a few of the most harmful submission artists within the UFC.
That’s why Lopes mentioned he thinks their upcoming conflict very nicely may outline who’s one of the best jiu-jitsu fighter within the UFC’s 145-pound division.
“I believe if the battle goes to the bottom, he’s a black belt, I’m a black belt and each of us have the abilities essential to neutralize one another, but additionally the flexibility to check one another’s strengths,” Lopes informed MMA Junkie in Spanish. “I undoubtedly suppose this might outline who’s acquired one of the best jiu-jitsu within the division.
“I keep in mind after I acquired to the UFC and I used to be climbing up the division, many have been already asking for this battle. Not proper now, however sooner or later to see who’s acquired one of the best jiu-jitsu. I believe this comes at an incredible second, a pay-per-view card, Worldwide Combat Week, co-main occasion – what an incredible second to see who’s acquired one of the best jiu-jitsu. It’s going to be a warfare.”
Lopes has solely been within the UFC for 13 months, and his profession has skyrocketed. From getting into the rankings to rising in recognition with the fan base, Lopes is worked up to co-headline his first UFC pay-per-view occasion.
Lopes has had Ortega in his sight for a while, and thrilled to be getting this chance – even when it got here on quick discover.
“We each have related types: He’s acquired energy in his arms, good boxing, and good jiu-jitsu as nicely,” Lopes mentioned concerning the matchup in opposition to Ortega. “He’s a fighter that started with a high-level floor sport and slowly started displaying his evolution. That additionally occurred to me. I’m a jiu-jitsu fighter that’s bettering his arms. It’s a battle with very related types.
“I believe whoever has one of the best technique goes to win. We each have simply two weeks, and that’s not a ton of time to develop a method. Throughout a camp you make a method and because it goes you modify it. However two weeks will go by quick, and I like this battle due to that.
“I’ve informed you this many occasions, I don’t need any simple fights. I would like the hardest fights, and Ortega is considered one of them. This battle motivates me lots.”
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