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UFC fight predictions(23-4), hot takes & breakdowns | Gaming reviews, roasts & ranked lists | Ultimate fight-night snacks & quick recipes.
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Here are the Featherweight rankings. Yair Rodriguez is moving up to Lightweight. He is not considered. You also could make an argument for Brian Ortega to be much higher, I personally do not feel that way. There are a handful of names that are sitting just outside the Top 15 with merit to be on the list. Names include Sean Woodson, Chepe Mariscal, Aaron Pico, Jose Delgado, Joanderson Brito, David Onama, Doo Ho Choi, etc.
I am still contemplating whether I focus on Featherweight Top 15 write-ups or the fight write-ups for next weekend. We'll see Monday.
And here are the Bantamweights from last week:
https://t.co/bk4mN9w2FG
#UFC #UFCRankings #Featherweight #UFCFeatherweight #MMARankings #MetaRankings #MMA #TopRankings
Here are the Bantamweight Rankings. Write-ups will be posted throughout the week, but this time I am going to use the Article writer here on X. I will still post the write-ups individually, but this allows me to edit and also structure better.
Matsumoto's win in Baku should not change anything on these rankings.
For the BW's it is important to mention that Daniel Marcos was not re-signed to the UFC. He was shocked, so am I, but he has signed with PFL and cannot be considered in the rankings. Vinicius Oliveira has moved to FW, so he also cannot be considered.
#7-15 in this division is very hard to rank, and could drastically change week to week.
If you missed the Flyweights, check those out from last week:
https://t.co/Ou660XobNu
#UFC #UFCRankings #Bantamweight #UFCBantamweight #MMARankings #MetaRankings
@N9SbkX084q93354 I agree. Harris has the tools, but has not learned to use them. I think Hines takes advantage of that.
Alvin Hines vs. RJ Harris
Alvin Hines
At 34 years old (born October 20, 1991), the 6'2" orthodox fighter from the United States enters with a pro record of 7-1. He has 3 KO/TKOs, 3 submissions, and 1 decision.
Background and path: Hines turned pro around 2023–2024 and built his record primarily on the LFA circuit with a mix of stoppages and one decision win. He earned a UFC contract and made his octagon debut at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025, where he lost a unanimous decision to Jhonata Diniz. He was subsequently suspended (announced August 2025 for multiple substances), but is cleared and competing here.
Strengths: Versatile finisher with legitimate power and grappling threat. Three career submissions (rear-naked choke, keylock, arm-triangle) and three stoppages on the feet (including a head-kick KO and elbow/punch TKOs). Has shown the ability to go the distance and win decisions against regional competition. Good mix of striking and submission offense in his wins.
Weaknesses: Striking defense and output metrics from his lone UFC fight were below average (low accuracy, higher strikes absorbed). Limited UFC experience (0-1). Coming off a significant layoff following his 2025 debut loss and suspension period. At 34, durability and recovery after time away will be tested.
RJ Harris
At 27 years old (born October 1, 1998), the 6'6" orthodox fighter from Zanesville, Ohio enters with a pro record of 5-0. He has 1 KO/TKO, 3 submissions, and 1 decision. He is making his UFC debut.
Background and path: Harris rose through regional shows (Ohio Combat League, Caged Thunder) before moving to LFA, where he has looked impressive. He recently submitted Phillip Latu (the same fighter Hines submitted earlier in his career) via guillotine in round 2 at LFA 231 in April 2026. He steps in on short notice after AJ Frye Jr. withdrew due to injury.
Strengths: Length and physical tools (80" reach is a major asset at heavyweight). Strong submission game with three finishes (guillotine, keylock/Americana, forearm choke). Has shown finishing power on the feet with a first-round KO. Went the distance and won a unanimous decision against Austin Green. Young, athletic prospect with momentum and finishing rate.
Weaknesses: Limited experience against high-level competition, all wins have come against regional/LFA opposition. UFC debut on short notice, which can affect preparation and game-planning. One amateur loss by head-kick KO shows vulnerability to strikes when pressured. Striking defense leaves a lot to be desired. Does not utilize his reach effectively. Guillotines are of the standing variety, used in pretty much every fight, and usually amount to gassed arms. The armlocks are performed on the ground, but with little attention to maintaining position when attacking it.
Stylistic Breakdown & Key Matchup Factors
Size & physicality: Clear edge to Harris. At 6'6" with an 80" reach vs. Hines’ 6'2" and 74" reach, Harris has a significant length advantage in the heavyweight division. This should help him control range on the feet and potentially stuff takedowns or create space.
Striking: Hines has proven finishing power (head-kick KO, TKOs) and mixes levels well in his stoppage wins. Harris has shown clean punching power and one KO, but generally is not dropping his opponents with his strikes. Both are orthodox. Harris’s length could allow him to pick shots from range, while Hines will likely look to close distance and land heavy shots or level changes. Hines’ lower striking accuracy and defense in his UFC debut are concerns against a longer opponent, but Harris failed to utilize the reach advantage much regionally and his striking defense is probably going to cause him problems against Hines.
Grappling/Wrestling: Both have strong submission credentials. Hines has three subs across his career and has finished fights quickly on the ground. Harris has three subs in five pro wins, including a recent guillotine. Hines may have an edge in top control/experience, but Harris’s length could make entries and scrambles difficult. Any fight that hits the mat will be dangerous for both, but most likely worse for Harris.
Pace & cardio: Hines has gone three full rounds and shown durability in longer regional fights. Harris has also gone the distance once and finished most others early. Short-notice debut could test Harris’s gas tank under UFC lights, but his youth is an asset. He was noticeably tired against Austin Green in the 3rd Round.
Intangibles:
Momentum: Harris enters on a strong streak (5-0) with recent LFA finishes and prospect hype. Hines is coming off a loss and extended time away.
Experience: Hines has more pro fights (8 vs. 5) and actual UFC octagon time, even if it ended in a loss. Harris is untested at this level.
Finishing danger: Both are finishers (Hines 6 of 7 wins by stoppage; Harris 4 of 5). Early finishes are very possible.
Drug Suspension: We shouldn't speculate without information, but what effect both the lack of the restricted substances and the layoff may have had on Hines.
Wise Prediction
This is a heavyweight matchup with a significant size/reach disparity and the complication of a short-notice replacement. Hines brings more overall experience and a proven ability to finish fights in multiple ways, but his UFC debut showed defensive vulnerabilities and he is returning after a long layoff. Harris brings youth, length, athleticism, and a submission threat, but steps into the UFC for the first time with limited notice against someone who has already been in the octagon.
The length advantage for Harris is hard to ignore at heavyweight, it can neutralize a lot of pressure and make entries risky if used effectively. That's a big if with Harris. However, Hines has the tools to make it ugly and capitalize on any overcommitment or lapse from the short-notice fighter. If the fight stays standing for long periods, Harris’s reach and youth could play a bigger role. If it gets chaotic or hits the mat, both men’s finishing instincts make it high-variance, but still lean towards Hines for the advantage.
My pick: Alvin Hines by KO/TKO in Round 2(or Decision).
Why? Hines has been here before and has the experience edge in a fight that could go the distance or turn into a grind. His mix of tools with power and submissions gives him multiple paths, and the short-notice factor for Harris could limit his ability to fully implement his game plan. Harris’s physical tools and finishing rate make him very live, especially if he can keep the fight at range early, but evidence from tape show a fighter who has yet to learn to fully utilize his tools.
Best bet angle: Lean Hines on the moneyline if he’s a slight favorite or close to even. Consider a small play on the fight going the distance or Hines by decision, given both men’s ability to fight on through fatigue and heavyweights tendency to hang on one another late. This matchup has real upset potential due to the size difference, suspension, and short notice, so approach with caution.
#UFCOKC #AlvinHines #RJHarris #HinesVsHarris #UFCFightNight #Heavyweight #UFC #GoozieHines #TheHammer @ufc
Dione Barbosa vs. Anna Melisano
Dione Barbosa
At 34 years old (born May 8, 1992), the 5'6" orthodox fighter from Recife, Brazil, enters with a pro record of 9-4-0. She has 4 submissions, with the remaining 5 wins by decision. In the UFC she is 3-2. Her only career finish loss came via TKO in 2019.
Background and path: Barbosa started martial arts at age 7 and built an elite Judo foundation, becoming a 7-time Brazilian National Champion, multiple Grand Slam/Grand Prix medalist, 2-time Pan-American Champion, and holding a black belt in Judo. She also earned a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu. She moved to the United States in 2021 and trained with Cris Cyborg before settling into the UFC system (Kings MMA / UFC Performance Institute). She earned her UFC contract with a first-round armbar on DWCS in 2023 and has since compiled a mixed but competitive UFC record.
Strengths: Elite Judo throws and top control. Dangerous submission threat (armbar, arm-triangle choke, RNC). Strong cardio and durability in three-round fights. Proven ability to win decisions against solid competition.
Weaknesses: Low striking volume and output in the UFC (historically around 2.2 significant strikes per minute). Has been outpointed over three rounds by strong wrestlers/grapplers (Miranda Maverick, Karine Silva). Takedown accuracy has been modest in UFC at 63%.
Anna Melisano
At 29 years old (born May 20, 1997), the 5'6" orthodox fighter from the United States enters with a pro record of 6-1. She has 2 KO/TKOs, 1 submission, and 3 decisions.
Background and path: Muay Thai-based striker who turned pro in 2023 after a lengthy amateur career. She built a strong regional resume, primarily in Fury FC, where she went on a six-fight win streak featuring finishes. She was selected first overall in the strawweight division for TUF 34 by coach Michael Bisping but lost in the opening round via rear-naked choke after being taken down. She is stepping in on short notice to replace Veronica Hardy and moving up from strawweight to flyweight.
Strengths: 4-inch reach advantage (70" vs. Barbosa’s ~66"). Aggressive Muay Thai striking with good volume, sharp elbows, and kicks. Recent finishing ability (first-round KO punch, third-round doctor-stoppage TKO, first-round RNC). Durability and experience going the distance in regional bouts.
Weaknesses: Grappling vulnerabilities were exposed on TUF (taken down and submitted; struggled to return to her feet). Limited experience against high-level competition. Short-notice UFC debut with the weight-class jump adds preparation and recovery challenges.
Stylistic Breakdown & Key Matchup Factors
Size & physicality: Nearly identical height. Melisano holds a clear reach advantage. Barbosa may carry a slight edge in functional strength and explosiveness from her Judo background.
Striking: Melisano has the edge in range management, kick volume, and Muay Thai tools. Barbosa’s striking is functional but secondary; she primarily uses it to close distance for clinch or takedown entries.
Grappling/Wrestling: Clear advantage to Barbosa. Her Judo pedigree (throws, trips, top pressure) and submission finishing rate make any scramble or clinch exchange high-risk for Melisano. Melisano’s guard and scramble defense were liabilities on TUF.
Pace & cardio: Both appear durable enough for three rounds. Barbosa has shown she can maintain output and control over full fights in the UFC. Melisano’s regional fights have varied in length, but she has gone the distance multiple times.
Intangibles
Momentum: Barbosa enters off a majority decision win (April 2026). Melisano is on a six-fight winning streak but coming off a quick TUF loss and short-notice circumstances.
Experience: Barbosa has five UFC fights and has faced ranked or formerly ranked opponents. Melisano has zero UFC experience and her highest-level exposure was a first-round TUF loss.
Finishing danger: Barbosa’s submission threat is real, especially if the fight hits the mat or clinch. Melisano carries legitimate KO/TKO power with her hands and has finished three of her last four wins.
Style clash: Barbosa wants to close distance, use Judo entries into clinch or ground, and either control or finish. Melisano wants to maintain range with strikes, mix kicks and elbows, and avoid prolonged grappling exchanges.
Wise Prediction
This is a grappler vs. striker matchup with a clear stylistic mismatch. Barbosa’s Judo and ground game give her multiple paths to victory that play directly into Melisano’s documented weaknesses (takedowns and bottom control). Melisano’s reach and striking can win rounds if she keeps the fight standing and stays disciplined with distance management, but the short-notice preparation and weight-class move make that harder to execute consistently against a veteran who has already succeeded at this level.
The fight is likely to see Barbosa repeatedly look for clinch entries or level changes. If she gets Melisano to the ground or in prolonged clinch work, the Judo throws and submission threats become very dangerous. Melisano’s best chance is to stay upright, use her reach to outpoint early, and force Barbosa to work hard for every position.
My pick: Dione Barbosa by unanimous decision (possible late-round submission if she capitalizes on a scramble or takedown).
Why? Barbosa’s superior grappling pedigree, UFC experience, and ability to win decisions or finish on the ground give her the clearer, more reliable path against a debutant whose main liabilities (grappling defense and scramble recovery) align directly with Barbosa’s strengths. Melisano is tough and has finishing upside, but the combination of short notice, weight jump, and TUF grappling exposure makes it a steep hill to climb against a grappler of Barbosa’s caliber.
Best bet angle: Lean Barbosa on the moneyline (she is the clear favorite for good reason). Consider a small sprinkle on Barbosa by decision or the fight going the distance, as early finishes are possible but not the most probable outcome given both fighters’ durability profiles.
#UFCOKC #BarbosaVsMelisano #DioneBarbosa #AnnaMelisano #TheWitch #Bandana #UFC #Flyweight #UFCFightNight #OklahomaCity #DuPlessisVsUsman
In my opinion, it needs to be either place of birth or family origin in cases where after birth the child grew up in another country, as the child should represent the country that raised him. In this day and age allowing them to play for a country just because they reside there, will lead to National Teams paying, or help paying, for housing and expenses just to get stars to live there. We should have none of this parental ancestry choices either like Elise who was not born, does not live, and does not play club ball in France. Why does he get to choose which of four national teams he can play for and the kid who's parents are both Greek and was born and raised in Greece well he only has one choice? 🤔
Will begin breaking down the Du Plessis vs Usman card today, Featherweight write-ups will continue after I complete the card in full.
Our four misses so far:
1. Jefferson Nascimento - I feel we read this perfectly. I really think if the ref did not force Nascimento to change gameplan we would have been correct, as boring as it was.
2. Nazim Sadykhov - Few saw the ability Camilo had, or I guess the inability Sadykhov had. We had a bad read.
3. Cesar Almeida - We had a great read, as I feel Almeida was winning every minute exactly as we predicted... until he was out cold.
4. Cory Sandhagen - Close fight, some gave the first to Cory for the damaging shot. I didn't, I saw it 29-28 Mario, but still our read was not terrible even though we didn't end up giving Mario a chance in our write-up.
Here's an early look at my picks for Du Plessis vs Usman, will be breaking down each fight as I did last week and these picks are subject to change between now and the time I finish my collective prediction post.
The UFC is expected to hold an event Sept. 19 at Crypto .com Arena in Los Angles, per CSAC. Presumably, this will be #UFC331
@Fernand29478507 @BlindBearMedia My early read is Ko’s grappling edge and timing give him the nod in a competitive fight. Takedowns and control.
@BlindBearMedia Subject to change, this is early look, as well.
@BlindBearMedia Excellent picks. We are nearly aligned on all, only one difference.
Yea, new ranking will have Mario in at #4, no doubt. This table was made prior to UFC 329.
As for Umar and Sean I discuss in my initial write-up how it was impossible for me to choose who took the spot, but I arbitrarily just used their performance against Merab (since he was a spot above them) as the tie breaker for the sake of my list.
@BlindBearMedia You killed it. Great stuff. Here was mine:
Lerone Murphy - 17-1-1(UFC: 9-1-1)
🏴 @LeroneMurphy
Lerone Murphy was born into the world on July 22, 1991, in Manchester, England, a city of rain-soaked terraces, fierce local pride, and dreams that often collided with hard reality. Raised in Old Trafford, just a stone’s throw from the thunder of Old Trafford stadium, he grew up surrounded by football. The sport was more than just a pastime here... it was an identity, an escape from circumstance, and a hopeful future all at once. As a teenager he showed real promise on the pitch, earning trials with Liverpool FC and training stints with Stockport County and FC United of Manchester. Coaches saw something special in the quick, determined kid from the neighborhood.
Then, at sixteen, everything changed. A serious knee injury ended his football dreams abruptly. It was the kind of cruel twist of fate that forces a young man to stare at an empty horizon. He still carried the bloodline of fighters, though. His late uncle, Oliver Harrison, was a respected Manchester boxing trainer who had guided talents like Amir Khan and Rocky Fielding. Lerone had dabbled in boxing under that influence, learning the feel of gloves and the discipline of the sweet science. But without football, direction faded. After college he drifted, falling into the local gang culture that claimed too many young men in those streets. No goals. No real plan. Just living day by day.
On May 25, 2013, at twenty-one years old, fate delivered its harshest lesson. Leaving a barber shop on Lloyd Street South in Fallowfield, Murphy heard shouts “PLEASE DON'T!” then the crack of gunfire. A drive-by shooting. Three bullets tore into his face and neck. He felt the heavy impact, spat what he thought was blood onto the pavement, and watched actual bullets clatter to the ground beside him. One lodged in his tongue; he would carry a permanent shard there for the rest of his life. Teeth were lost. His tongue swelled so badly doctors performed a tracheotomy just so he could breathe. A week in intensive care, another in hospital. Doctors were stunned he survived. He later called it what it was: “It’s a miracle that I’m here.”
The shooting became the turning point he never asked for but desperately needed. It forced him to confront how close he had come to losing everything. He thought about it every day afterward. It changed his mood, his outlook, his urgency. Around the same time, the birth of his son lit a new fire. “I’ve got to switch on here and do better for myself and my family,” he told himself. He didn’t want to be remembered only as the man who got shot. He wanted to build something real.
Recovery brought clarity. Seeking an escape from the weight of trauma and the pull of old streets, he walked into All Powers gym in Manchester at twenty-two. No grand plan. No lifelong dream of cages. Just a need for structure, for something that demanded everything from him. He loved it immediately. The gym became sanctuary... the only place the past didn’t follow him. Striking came naturally, sharpened by those early boxing sessions with his uncle. Brazilian jiu-jitsu followed; he would eventually earn a purple belt. What began as therapy became purpose. “The gym was my getaway,” he would later say. “I just loved it.” His dad was already a UFC fan and watching Kane Mousah, his friend and fellow former gang member, win an MMA fight in Bolton finally gave him a focus.
Murphy turned professional on March 5, 2016, at FCC 15. In his lightweight debut he outworked Martin Fouda over three rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory. The wins came steadily from there as he grinded through the UK regional scene, building experience fight by fight. First-round TKOs against Tyler John Thomas, Jamie Lee, Nathan Thompson, and Terry Doyle showcased his growing power and finishing instincts, while he mixed in hard-fought unanimous decisions that proved he could go the distance when needed. He transitioned to featherweight in 2018 and kept the momentum rolling with unanimous decision wins over James McErlean and Ayton De Paepe.
By May 18, 2019, at FCC 23, Murphy stood across from Manolo Scianna with the FCC Featherweight Championship on the line. He made quick, dominant work of it, claiming the title with a first-round TKO. Eight professional wins deep and now a regional champion, the late starter had proven he could thrive in the cage despite everything life had already thrown at him.
It wasn’t long before the call came. Fresh off his championship victory, Murphy received a direct message from UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby offering him a spot on the stacked UFC 242 card in Abu Dhabi that September against the experienced Zubaira Tukhugov. The opportunity arrived on relatively short notice... just a few months after he’d won the FCC title. But, for a fighter who had already survived far worse than any cage could offer, it felt like destiny knocking. He accepted without hesitation. The kid who had nearly lost everything on a Manchester pavement was finally stepping onto the biggest stage in the sport.
On September 7, 2019, at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi, a card headlined by the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov against Dustin Poirier, Lerone Murphy finally stepped into the Octagon for his debut against the battle-tested Zubaira Tukhugov. The moment carried enormous weight.
The fight itself was a war from the opening seconds. Tukhugov came out aggressive, mixing crisp boxing with strong wrestling pressure. In the first round he dropped Murphy with a right hand and spent much of the frame on top, controlling the action and landing ground strikes. Some observers scored it a 10-8 for the Russian. Murphy, however, showed incredible heart and fight IQ. He weathered the storm, got back to his feet, and began landing cleaner, higher-volume strikes as the round wore on. The second and third rounds flipped the script. Murphy’s sharp boxing and leg kicks started to take their toll. He stuffed takedown attempts and poured on significant strikes while Tukhugov looked to clinch and control. It was back-and-forth, high-level MMA, Murphy landing the clean shots, Tukhugov with the grappling advantage. When the final horn sounded, the judges delivered a split draw: one scorecard 29-28 for Tukhugov, one 29-28 for Murphy, and one even at 28-28. I had called it for Tukhugov, personally. It wasn’t the emphatic statement victory Murphy had dreamed of, but it announced him loud and clear. He had gone toe-to-toe with a veteran on short preparation in hostile territory and left no doubt that he belonged in the UFC.
Momentum built from there, even through the chaos of the COVID era and repeated interruptions that tested his patience and resilience. His first UFC victory came on July 16, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 13, another Abu Dhabi card held inside the famous “Fight Island” bubble. Facing Brazilian grappler Ricardo Ramos, Murphy wasted little time. He pressed forward with sharp striking, took Ramos down early, and swarmed with ground-and-pound to force the stoppage at 4:18 of the first round. The finish was explosive, earning him Performance of the Night honors.
A little over six months later, on January 20, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 20 (again in Abu Dhabi), Murphy took on the durable Douglas Silva de Andrade, 26-3 at the time. This was a scheduled bout with more time to prepare, and Murphy delivered a composed, well-rounded performance. He mixed crisp striking with smart defense against de Andrade’s power, controlled the pace, and walked away with a clear unanimous decision victory.
Then came the first major interruption. Murphy had been booked to face Charles Jourdain on September 4, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 191 in Las Vegas. It would have been another step forward on American soil. But visa issues (common headaches for international fighters navigating post-Brexit and pandemic-era travel rules) forced him out of the fight. He was pulled from the card and replaced by Julian Erosa. The disappointment was real. After the momentum of two straight wins, another opportunity had slipped away through no fault of his own. He stayed ready, kept training, and refused to let the setback derail him.
Opportunity knocked again in dramatic fashion. On October 30, 2021, at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi, Murphy answered the call on extremely short notice. He stepped in to replace the injured Tristan Connelly against the dangerous finisher Makwan Amirkhani. He weathered early pressure, found his rhythm, and in the second round delivered a perfectly timed knee that dropped Amirkhani. Ground strikes sealed the knockout at just 0:14 of the round. The finish was violent, highlight-reel gold, and instantly earned him widespread respect. Another short-notice masterclass. Another statement that the late starter from Manchester could thrive under pressure.
Unfortunately, the interruptions continued into 2022. Murphy was scheduled to face Nate Landwehr on March 26, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 33. It looked like another winnable test to keep momentum rolling. But he withdrew from the bout for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by David Onama. The exact cause wasn’t made public, possibly injury or personal circumstances, but it was another frustrating delay in what had already been a stop-start run. Then, in May 2022, life tested him in a different way once again. While cycling in Manchester, he was struck by a car, knocked off his bike, and nearly bled out. It was another near-death experience... “the miracle, part two,” as he later reflected. He recovered with the same quiet resilience that had carried him from the barber shop shooting years earlier, channeling everything back into training and fatherhood.
By early 2023 the pieces were aligning for a homecoming. On March 18, 2023, at UFC 286 in London, his first fight on British soil in the UFC, Murphy was scheduled to fight Nathaniel Wood, Wood was injured and Gabriel Santos stepped in on short notice. Fighting in front of a passionate home crowd at The O2 Arena carried extra emotion. The fight was gritty and competitive. Santos brought pressure and grappling threats, but Murphy showed veteran poise, mixed striking with takedown defense, and edged out a split decision victory. It was another decision I did not agree with, but the fact remained that Murphy had remained undefeated. The win in London felt like redemption and progress all at once. He was building something real.
The streak continued on a high note on July 22, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 224 in London. Facing Joshua Culibao in another scheduled bout, Murphy put together a complete performance. He controlled the pace with sharp striking, stuffed takedowns, and walked away with a clear unanimous decision. Notably, he had a dominant round three, 10-8's everywhere. It was his fifth straight victory inside the Octagon (accounting for the draw), proof that the interruptions, short-notice calls, visa frustrations, doubters, and personal trials had only sharpened him.
The momentum carried Murphy into 2024 with real belief that bigger things were coming. But the sport had other plans. He was booked to face veteran Dan Ige on February 10, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 236. It would have been another step toward the upper echelon of the featherweight division. Instead, an undisclosed injury forced him out of the fight. Murphy stayed patient, healed, and kept his eyes on the prize.
He returned on May 18, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 241 in Las Vegas against the legendary striker Edson Barboza. What followed was a five-round war that showcased everything Murphy had become. Barboza came out firing those trademark spinning kicks and sharp combinations, but Murphy absorbed the early pressure, mixed his own crisp boxing with smart movement, and refused to wilt. By the later rounds Murphy was the one imposing his will, landing the harder shots and controlling the pace. He took a hard-fought unanimous decision and earned Fight of the Night honors. The victory felt like validation: he could go the distance with one of the division’s most dangerous veterans and come out on top.
The Ige fight was finally rebooked for October 26, 2024, at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. This time Murphy delivered. He outworked the durable Hawaiian over three rounds with superior striking volume, better defense, and smart fight management. The unanimous decision was clean and professional... no drama, just another brick laid in the foundation of his rise. I had it 29-28, myself. With back-to-back wins against high-level competition, Murphy was firmly in the title picture conversation.
The biggest test yet arrived on April 5, 2025, at UFC on ESPN 65 in Las Vegas. In the main event, he faced former interim featherweight title challenger Josh Emmett. The five-round affair was a grinding battle of wills rather than a highlight-reel spectacular. Emmett brought relentless pressure and heavy hands, forcing Murphy into a chess match of pace management, clinch work, and tactical striking. It wasn’t the most fan-friendly fight, plenty of control time and fewer fireworks than the crowd had hoped for, and boos rained down as the fight went deep. Murphy stayed composed, outlanded Emmett in key moments, and earned a clear unanimous decision. Post-fight, addressing the boos directly in the Octagon, he delivered a cool, confident line that quickly turned into the “easy work” meme online. He was acknowledging the crowd’s frustration while reminding everyone he had just handled a dangerous veteran over twenty-five hard minutes.
The momentum exploded in spectacular fashion on August 16, 2025, at UFC 319 in Chicago. Stepping in on relatively short notice in the co-main event against the highly touted Aaron Pico, Murphy delivered one of the most memorable knockouts of the year. Early in the first round he uncorked a perfectly timed spinning back elbow that sliced through Pico’s guard and sent him crashing to the canvas. Ground-and-pound finished the job at 3:21. The finish was technical, brutal, and highlight-reel gold. Performance of the Night bonus in hand, it earned him multiple “Knockout of the Year” awards and the UFC’s President’s Choice Performance of the Year. The kid from Manchester was now dropping jaws on the biggest stages. The celebration afterward carried extra weight... he was doing it for his son, for the family that had believed in him when the path looked impossible, and for every person told they were too late to start over.
The ultimate test arrived on March 21, 2026, at UFC Fight Night 270 in London. In the main event, a five-round featherweight title eliminator against undefeated contender Movsar Evloev, Murphy fought in front of a roaring home crowd at The O2 Arena, again. The stakes could not have been higher. A win would almost certainly book him a shot at the vacant or defended featherweight title. What unfolded was a grueling war of attrition. Evloev brought elite wrestling and pressure; Murphy answered with sharp striking, dangerous grappling threats, and the heart of a survivor. The fight was close throughout with high-level exchanges, scrambles, and moments of control for both men. In the fourth round Evloev was deducted a point for repeated illegal groin strikes, yet the judges still awarded him a majority decision victory (with many media scorecards seeing it as a draw or even favoring Murphy). It was Murphy’s first professional loss. The decision was controversial and left a bitter taste, but it did nothing to diminish what he had already accomplished. He had gone the distance with one of the division’s best, competed at the highest level on home soil, and proven once again that he belonged among the elite.
He came from those rain-slick streets of Old Trafford, a boy who traded football dreams for a hospital bed at sixteen when his knee gave out, then spat actual bullets onto a Manchester pavement at twenty-one and lived to tell about it. Two years later he walked into a gym at twenty-two with no real background, no golden path, just the need to escape the weight of what he’d survived and the fire lit by his son’s birth. That late start never slowed him. It became his edge. From regional titles to short-notice Octagon entries, from the frustration of visa pull-outs and the grind of COVID bubbles to the homecoming war in London, he answered every setback the same way: head down, hands up, composure intact. Even when the crowd booed he did not let adversity bother him or stray him from his path. The first real loss, in that title-eliminator against Evloev, didn’t break the streak of belief. It just added another scar to the collection.
Whatever comes next, another short-notice call, another five-round war, or a shot at the belt, he carries the same quiet certainty that got him here. The Miracle from Manchester doesn’t need to shout to let you know he's here. He’s already proven that starting late doesn’t mean finishing early, that surviving when you thought you wouldn’t only makes you fight harder, and that a man who lost his youthful dreams early could still carve out another path worth walking. His story isn’t finished. It’s only getting louder.
Here are the Featherweight rankings. Yair Rodriguez is moving up to Lightweight. He is not considered. You also could make an argument for Brian Ortega to be much higher, I personally do not feel that way. There are a handful of names that are sitting just outside the Top 15 with merit to be on the list. Names include Sean Woodson, Chepe Mariscal, Aaron Pico, Jose Delgado, Joanderson Brito, David Onama, Doo Ho Choi, etc.
I am still contemplating whether I focus on Featherweight Top 15 write-ups or the fight write-ups for next weekend. We'll see Monday.
And here are the Bantamweights from last week:
https://t.co/bk4mN9w2FG
#UFC #UFCRankings #Featherweight #UFCFeatherweight #MMARankings #MetaRankings #MMA #TopRankings
Here are the Bantamweight Rankings. Write-ups will be posted throughout the week, but this time I am going to use the Article writer here on X. I will still post the write-ups individually, but this allows me to edit and also structure better.
Matsumoto's win in Baku should not change anything on these rankings.
For the BW's it is important to mention that Daniel Marcos was not re-signed to the UFC. He was shocked, so am I, but he has signed with PFL and cannot be considered in the rankings. Vinicius Oliveira has moved to FW, so he also cannot be considered.
#7-15 in this division is very hard to rank, and could drastically change week to week.
If you missed the Flyweights, check those out from last week:
https://t.co/Ou660XobNu
#UFC #UFCRankings #Bantamweight #UFCBantamweight #MMARankings #MetaRankings
@benchwarminn And they just signed Degli. Mokaev's been wanting back in, badly. This division is deep and getting better.
Jean Silva - 17-3(UFC: 6-1)
🇧🇷 @Jeansilvamma96
Jean Silva entered the world on December 13, 1996, in Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil. A border city alive with the roar of Iguazu Falls, bustling markets, and the constant hum of three nations brushing against one another. For many it was a place known for opportunity and tourism. For young Jean, it was the backdrop to a childhood marked by quiet endurance and sudden, tragic, life-shattering violence.
His mother had once been a boxer, a woman who dreamed of the ring but set those ambitions aside to raise her children. She poured everything into keeping her family afloat amid the everyday struggles of working-class life. Jean grew up watching her fight in her own way, through sheer will. But one night, everything changed forever. As a small boy, he witnessed his mother being assaulted by three men. In the chaos and terror of that moment, she defended herself with ferocious desperation. The attackers were killed. She was arrested and imprisoned. Jean saw it all... the violence, the handcuffs, his mother taken away. The image never left him. It carved deep scars into a young child’s heart and planted seeds of pain, rage, and an unbreakable will to survive.
Compounding the darkness, his older brother, his protector and the one Jean looked up to (who had given him a dog as a source of comfort and play), met a tragic end years later. Shot and killed, he died in Jean’s arms. Jean held him in those final, unbearable moments. The loss didn’t just hurt; it transformed something inside him. From the pain emerged an alter ego, a fierce, unyielding spirit he would later call “Lord”, the “Lord Assassin” who would one day walk into cages with fire in his eyes. The barking that became his signature walkout tic? It started innocently enough, imitating the dog his brother had given him. It grew into a nervous habit born from childhood trauma and isolation. Kids at school bullied him for it, mocking the boy who barked when emotions overwhelmed him. Jean carried that weight quietly, the scars and rage shaping a fighter long before he ever stepped into a gym.
Yet even amid the hardship, fighting was in his blood. His mother’s boxing background and the raw survival instinct forged in those early years pulled him toward combat. He loved the streets, the raw exchanges, the feeling of testing himself. Around 2009, as a teenager, he began training seriously. What started as an outlet for the pain and anger of his youth, quickly became discipline. He threw himself into Muay Thai and the beginnings of mixed martial arts, finding structure where life had offered only chaos. It was around this time that he found not just a partner, but a true steadying force in his life: Carol, Carolina de Castro. Her presence gave him something he desperately needed: belief, stability, and salvation from all the hardships... a light in the darkness. With her support, the fire inside him found focus. Training became his church, the mats and heavy bags his confessional.
He chased the dream with everything he had. Before fighting could pay the bills, he worked as a delivery boy on a motorbike, hustling on the streets of Florianópolis after moving within Santa Catarina for better opportunities. He had once dreamed of soccer glory like so many Brazilian kids, but that path faded. The cage called louder. He turned professional in 2016, stepping into regional Brazilian promotions with the hunger of someone who had already lived through more than most fighters ever would.
The early years were a grind of ups and downs. Wins came through explosive knockouts and submissions, his raw power and finishing instinct on full display. But there were setbacks too: decision losses that tested his resolve. He kept coming back, sharpening his tools, building the striking foundation that would later make him one of the most dangerous finishers in the featherweight division. Every session in those gyms carried the weight of his past... the memory of his mother, the ghost of his brother, the barking tic that reminded him of both vulnerability and the beast within. Training wasn’t just physical; it was survival, redemption, and the slow forging of the “Lord” persona that would terrify opponents.
By 2023, Jean Silva had carved out a reputation as a regional prospect with knockout power and heart. His record sat at 10-2 when the biggest opportunity yet arrived: Dana White’s Contender Series. On September 5, 2023, in Las Vegas, he faced undefeated prospect Kevin Vallejos in a must-win fight. The three-round battle tested every ounce of his experience. Silva showed composure, mixed his striking with grappling threats, and outworked his opponent to earn a unanimous decision victory, to this day it is still Vallejos' only loss. The contract was his. Years of pain, grind, and quiet resilience had finally opened the door to the UFC. His world had shifted.
It was here, as the UFC doors swung open, that Jean fully embedded himself in the Fighting Nerds camp in São Paulo, the same tight-knit team that had already produced rising stars like Caio Borralho. Borralho, the torchbearer of the gym’s unique philosophy and one of its most accomplished fighters, took a hands-on role coaching Silva, blending sharp technical instruction with the team’s signature emphasis on movement, timing, and intelligent aggression over brute force. Under head coaches like the legendary Flavio Álvaro, a jiu-jitsu black belt with decades of experience, and co-founder Pablo Sucupira, whose kickboxing roots added layers to the striking curriculum, Silva’s days followed a disciplined rhythm. Mornings began early with wrestling and grappling sessions that honed his scrambling and control, afternoons focused on Muay Thai precision and power development on the heavy bags and pads, and evenings brought high-level sparring that tested every tool against elite teammates. The environment felt like family, fighters pushing one another while sharing the same hunger, allowing Silva to evolve from a raw regional finisher into a complete athlete whose striking remained explosive but whose defensive wrestling and fight IQ grew sharper with each camp. Carol’s steady presence outside the gym complemented the work inside it, helping him channel the fire that had always burned within. Every rep carried purpose: turning pain into precision, survival into skill.
His Octagon debut came on January 13, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 234 in Las Vegas against Westin Wilson. Silva didn’t ease into it, he exploded. From the opening seconds he pressed forward with sharp Muay Thai kicks and punches, mixing in the grappling threats that had defined his regional rise. Wilson tried to weather the storm, but Silva’s pressure was relentless. A barrage of punches in the first round dropped his opponent and forced the referee to step in at 4:12. Technical knockout. The “Lord” had arrived, and the crowd felt the raw energy of a fighter who fought like every second mattered.
Momentum built quickly, but the road had its detours. Silva was booked to face William Gomis on May 4, 2024, at UFC 301. The matchup promised fireworks between two strikers, yet fate intervened. Gomis fell ill during his weight cut, forcing the fight’s cancellation. For Silva it was another test of patience. He stayed ready, and trusted that his moment would come.
It came sooner than expected, but with complications. On June 29, 2024, at UFC 303 in Las Vegas, Silva stepped in against Charles Jourdain. The fight went ahead at a catchweight after Silva weighed in at 147.5 pounds, 1.5 pounds over the featherweight limit. He was fined 20 percent of his purse, money that went straight to Jourdain. None of it slowed him. In the second round Silva found his range, landed a clean, devastating punch that dropped Jourdain and ended the fight at 1:22. Knockout victory.
Then came the ultimate test of that resilience: a brutally short turnaround. Just two weeks later, on July 13, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 59 in Denver, Silva took a lightweight bout against veteran Drew Dober on roughly two weeks’ notice. Moving up in weight, facing a durable, powerful opponent with nothing but a short camp to prepare, it would have bested lesser men. Silva embraced it. The fight became a war. Dober brought pressure and power, but Silva answered with crisp striking. In the third round a cut above Dober’s eye forced the doctor’s intervention at 1:28. Technical knockout. Fight of the Night bonus in hand. The performance showed a new dimension: the ability to rise on short notice, absorb damage, and still deliver.
The run continued with ruthless efficiency. On February 22, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 252, Silva faced Melsik Baghdasaryan. He wasted little time. A first-round barrage of punches and elbows overwhelmed his opponent, earning the stoppage at 4:15. Technical knockout. Performance of the Night. At this point, it seemed like Silva was enjoying himself in the Octagon. He praised his opponents, laughed, high-fived them... life was finally good... finally.
Then came April 12, 2025, at UFC 314 in Miami against Bryce Mitchell, a slick grappler with elite credentials. Silva had wanted this test. He mixed his dangerous striking with improved wrestling defense, weathered early scrambles, and in the second round locked in a rare, creative “ninja choke” submission at 3:52. Performance of the Night again. The finish was clinical and inventive, a testament to how far his game had evolved under the Fighting Nerds system. Training had paid off: the early mornings on the mats, the evening sessions sharpening every tool. Silva walked away not just victorious, but with growing recognition as one of the division’s most complete and exciting threats.
The biggest stage yet arrived on September 13, 2025, at Noche UFC in San Antonio. Silva headlined against Diego Lopes in a main event that crackled with anticipation. Both men brought aggression. Silva pressed forward, throwing spinning attacks and looking to impose his power. The exchanges were heavy and technical. Late in the second round, as Silva charged in, Lopes countered with a perfectly timed spinning back elbow that opened a massive cut and dropped him. Ground-and-pound followed, forcing the stoppage at 4:48. Loss by technical knockout. Yet Silva earned Fight of the Night honors alongside his opponent. The performance was a war... brutal, competitive, and unforgettable. In defeat he showed the same heart that had defined every step of his life. The “Lord” had been tested at the highest level and had not backed down.
Redemption and growth followed. On January 24, 2026, at UFC 324 in Las Vegas, Silva faced former title challenger Arnold Allen in a three-round test of skill and durability. Gone were the short-notice heroics or first-round explosions; this was a measured, high-level battle. Silva mixed crisp striking with takedown defense, controlled the pace when needed, and outworked Allen over fifteen minutes to earn a unanimous decision victory. It was a different kind of statement, one that proved he could grind out wins against elite competition, not just finish fights. The performance silenced doubters and kept his name firmly in the featherweight title conversation.
By early 2026, Jean Silva had revealed publicly that he had been diagnosed with autism earlier in life, a truth he carried with quiet strength. It became another layer of the man behind the “Lord”: the challenges of navigating a world that often felt overwhelming, the hyper-focus that fueled his training, the emotional intensity that made his walkouts electric. Whispers of a church wedding with Carol, one of his personal dreams, hinted at the stability he had fought so hard to create.
Even after the Allen win, Silva stayed sharp. In March 2026 he faced Bryce Mitchell again, this time in a submission grappling match that ended in a draw. Weeks later in April he met Marlon Vera in another grappling bout, another draw. He wasn’t just cross-training, he was continuing the evolution of a fighter who refused to stand still.
From the boy who once stood frozen in a room in Foz do Iguaçu, watching three men destroy his mother before she killed them and was taken away in handcuffs, to the teenager who held his brother as gunfire stole the only protector he had ever known... that same boy had turned the nervous bark of a childhood dog into a warrior’s roar that echoed through arenas across the world. The pain that once isolated him became the forge. The alter ego born in those final moments with his brother, “Lord” no longer hid in the shadows. It walked with him into every cage, eyes blazing, demanding that every opponent feel the fire he had carried since childhood. He fought not for rankings or highlight reels, but for the mother whose boxing dreams died so her children could live, for the brother whose last breath gave birth to an unbreakable spirit inside him, and for Carol, the woman who found him when the darkness nearly won and gave him salvation through Muay Thai and the steady love that kept the “Lord” from consuming the man. Every early morning at Fighting Nerds, every wrestling scramble under Caio Borralho’s watchful eye, every short-notice call answered with nothing but heart, and every war carried the weight of a life that refused to break. Even the autism he revealed in 2026 became another layer of armor rather than a limitation; one more thing he had learned to channel instead of hide.
Jean Silva did not simply survive his story. He weaponized it. And as the “Lord” continues to rise... raw, unfiltered, and still barking at the gates of the division’s elite, the boy from Foz do Iguaçu has already proven the most dangerous truth of all: the greatest fighters are not the ones who never fall. They are the ones who turn every fall into fuel, every scar into strength, and every roar, or bark, into a promise that the story is nowhere near finished.
Diego Lopes - 28-8(UFC: 17-3)
🇧🇷🇲🇽 @Diegolopesmma
Diego Lopes da Silva entered the world on December 30, 1994, in Manaus, deep in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon. A city of relentless heat, winding rivers, and quiet struggles, where families fought daily just to keep food on the table. His was no different. His father worked long, back-breaking hours as a kargador (a porter hauling loads for whatever coins came his way) while the family scraped together extra money collecting recyclables. It was humble. It was hard. But in that same modest home, fighting ran like blood through the veins. Brazilian jiu-jitsu wasn’t a hobby, it was a family tradition... a way of discipline, surviving, and belonging.
From the time he could walk, Diego was on the mats. He began training in BJJ as a small boy and stepped into his first competition at just seven years old. While other kids played in the streets, Diego was already learning to control his body, his breathing, his will against bigger, stronger opponents. By sixteen he had earned his purple belt, a milestone that marked him as something special in the gyms of Manaus. The transition to mixed martial arts felt natural, almost inevitable. At seventeen he turned professional, stepping into regional cages in Brazil with the hunger of someone who had already lived a lifetime of quiet battles.
But the real turning point came at nineteen. An opportunity arose to teach and further his own training in Mexico. It wasn’t an easy decision. Leaving the only home he had ever known meant leaving his family behind, too. The same family that had scraped and sacrificed so he could chase mats instead of manual labor. Before he boarded that plane, Diego made a vow, one that weighed heavy on his young heart: he would build a better life for them. He would turn the pain of those early struggles into something that lifted everyone he loved. With that promise echoing in his chest, he stepped into a new country, a new culture, and a future that would demand absolutely everything from him.
Puebla, Mexico, welcomed him. At Lobo Gym under the guidance of Francisco Grasso, Diego found not just training partners but a second family. The Mexican people embraced the kid from the Amazon with open arms. His coach was Mexican. Most of the people who would shape his world from that point forward were Mexican. He began to carry the Mexican flag alongside his Brazilian roots with quiet pride. More than half his professional fights would eventually happen on Mexican soil. But he didn’t just take from the country that adopted him, he gave back. In Puebla he founded Brazilian Warriors, a non-profit jiu-jitsu academy dedicated to underprivileged children. Kids who, like him once, had nothing but heart and hunger. “When I first started training, I had nothing,” he would later say. “Now that I have support, sponsors and people behind me, I want to give back the things I did not have.”
On the regional scene he grinded. Wins piled up through submissions, knockouts, and hard-fought decisions. He captured titles in Jasaji Fighting League and Xtreme Fighters Latino. Then came LUX Fight League, where he truly announced himself. In 2019 he claimed the LUX Featherweight Championship with a first-round kneebar. He defended it in 2021 with an armbar. Those nights in Mexican arenas, surrounded by roaring crowds that now claimed him as one of their own, were the forging ground. Every roll, every spar, every late-night drive home after training carried the weight of the promise he made to his parents and the faces of the kids at Brazilian Warriors.
The path to the UFC wasn’t handed to him. By the summer of 2021, Diego had already carved out a reputation as one of the most dangerous regional featherweights in the world. He was the LUX Featherweight Champion, had defended the belt with a slick armbar finish, and carried a record stacked with submissions and knockouts that proved his elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu and finishing instincts were the real deal. Dana White’s Contender Series was supposed to be the final stepping stone. On August 31, 2021, he walked out against fellow prospect Joanderson Brito, another hungry fighter with momentum of his own. The fight was a technical battle, but it did not go the way Lopes fans hoped. For nearly four minutes of each of the first two rounds, Brito pieced him up on the feet and controlled the action with superior wrestling and pressure. Diego showed flashes of danger and composure under fire, but he was largely on the defensive early. In the third round an accidental eye poke from changed everything, forcing the fight to end prematurely. Technical unanimous decision for the opponent. No contract. No golden ticket. Just a painful “almost” that left Diego walking out of the cage without the deal he had fought so hard to earn. For most fighters that kind of close-call disappointment would have been crushing, another door slammed shut after years of grinding. But the fire inside him refused to dim. He didn’t sulk or make excuses. He simply went back to the work.
What followed was nearly two years of quiet resilience, both in and out of the cage. Just two months after the DWCS heartbreak, in October 2021, Diego stepped back into regional competition and challenged for the Fury FC Featherweight title against Nate Richardson. In another competitive, back-and-forth battle he came up short again, this time via split decision. It was yet another tough loss in a short window, another reminder that the sport doesn’t hand out second chances easily. Rather than spiral, Diego used the time to sharpen every tool in his arsenal. He competed in grappling events and tournaments during this stretch, testing himself against high-level submission specialists and refining the Brazilian jiu-jitsu game that had always been his foundation. Those sessions kept his mind sharp and his body ready while he waited for the next MMA opportunity. He kept taking fights in Mexico, adding hard-earned wins to his record and steadily rebuilding momentum on the regional scene.
Then, in early 2023, the pieces finally aligned in the most unexpected way. Diego was booked for another bout in Fury FC, but that fight fell through when his opponent pulled out. At first it felt like another frustrating delay. In reality, the cancellation was a blessing in disguise... it left his schedule completely open at precisely the right moment. Across the ocean, plans were changing in the UFC featherweight division. Bryce Mitchell had to withdraw from his scheduled matchup against the undefeated, highly touted prospect Movsar Evloev at UFC 288 due to injury. The promotion needed a replacement on extremely short notice, just days to prepare. They reached out to Diego Lopes. His DWCS appearance had kept him on their radar, his regional record showed he could compete at a high level, and now his suddenly free schedule made him the perfect candidate. Diego accepted without hesitation. This was the moment he had been grinding toward for years.
May 6, 2023, at UFC 288 inside the Prudential Center. He stepped in against Movsar Evloev, who entered with a perfect record, elite wrestling, and the full weight of UFC expectations behind him. Most observers expected the short-notice newcomer from the regionals to be overwhelmed, perhaps finished early by Evloev’s pace and control. Instead, Diego fought like a man who had been waiting his entire life for that moment. With almost no preparation, he pressed forward from the opening seconds, mixing crisp striking with constant grappling threats that forced Evloev to fight desperately at times. He survived the heavy pressure and control time, threatened finishes, had a great reversal, and left every ounce of himself in the cage. When the final horn sounded he had lost a unanimous decision, but he earned Fight of the Night for his performance. More importantly, he proved he belonged.
From there the rise was relentless. His first UFC victory came on August 5, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 50 in Nashville against veteran grappler Gavin Tucker. Lopes wasted little time showcasing the elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu that had defined his regional career. Similar to his previous UFC fights, Lopes was taken down, but was extremely active on the ground. He locked in a tight armbar, and forced the tap at just 1:38 of the first round. The finish was clean and clinical. Performance of the Night bonus in hand, the win felt like validation after the Evloev setback.
Two months later, on November 11, 2023, at UFC 295 inside Madison Square Garden, Lopes delivered another statement. Facing Pat Sabatini, a fighter he had actually wanted to grapple before either had reached the UFC, he came out aggressive. In the opening minute he dropped Sabatini against the fence with strikes and swarmed with punches, forcing referee Keith Peterson to step in at 1:30 for a TKO victory. Another first-round finish, another Performance of the Night. The New York crowd roared as the Brazilian-Mexican prospect announced himself as a dangerous finisher who could end fights violently on the feet as well as the mat.
Then came the stage that changed everything: UFC 300 on April 13, 2024. Against the durable Sodiq Yusuff, Lopes exploded out of the gate on one of the biggest cards in UFC history. He dropped Yusuff twice early with strikes before finishing the job with punches on the ground at just 1:29 of the first round. The TKO was emphatic. In the aftermath, overcome with emotion on the massive platform, Lopes leaped the cage in celebration... an iconic image that went viral. The Nevada Athletic Commission initially withheld part of his bonus payout for the fence jump, but Dana White stepped in and covered the fine himself. The moment cemented Lopes as a fan favorite and a breakout star.
The next fight came amid absolute chaos. Originally scheduled to face Brian Ortega in the co-main event of UFC 303 on June 29, 2024, the card had already been upended weeks earlier when Conor McGregor withdrew due to a broken toe. Ortega had stepped in on relatively short notice to face Lopes. Then, on fight day itself (with the prelims already underway) Ortega was forced to withdraw due to illness (he had also dealt with weight-cutting difficulties earlier, leading to a catchweight adjustment to 165 pounds). In one of the wildest last-minute saves in recent UFC history, Dan Ige, who was not even scheduled to fight that night, volunteered and stepped in on roughly four hours’ notice after reaching out directly to UFC executives. Ige made weight and took the fight.
Lopes handled the disruption professionally and delivered a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over the durable veteran. It wasn’t flashy, but it showed another dimension: the ability to adjust on the fly, control the fight over three rounds, and get the win against a tough, experienced opponent who had answered the call of duty. The performance proved Lopes could win decisions as well as finish fights.
The momentum carried into a highly anticipated, rebooking of the matchup with Brian Ortega at UFC 306 (the Noche UFC event at the Sphere in Las Vegas) on September 14, 2024. Facing one of the division’s most skilled and resilient veterans, Lopes put together a complete performance. He mixed striking, grappling threats, and smart fight management to earn a clear unanimous decision. Beating Ortega on that big stage... in front of a passionate crowd during Mexico’s celebratory event, added serious weight to his resume and silenced any remaining doubters about his ability to go the distance with elite competition.
His growing profile brought more recognition in both Brazil and Mexico, where fans embraced him as one of their own. By the end of 2024 and into early 2025, the featherweight division was buzzing about this dynamic Brazilian who had become Mexican at heart, a finisher capable of highlight-reel knockouts and submissions, but also a fighter who could grind out tough decisions against seasoned veterans. The hype was building fast.
On April 12, 2025, at UFC 314 in Miami, Diego Lopes earned his first crack at the vacant featherweight title against one of the all-time greats, Alexander Volkanovski. The division had opened up after Ilia Topuria vacated the belt to move up to lightweight, and Lopes’ explosive run had made him the clear choice as the next challenger. It was a dream matchup: the Brazilian-Mexican prospect who had clawed his way from the Amazon and the gyms of Puebla against the legendary Australian who had already defined an entire era at 145 pounds.
The five-round war delivered on every level of hype. Lopes brought the fight from the opening bell, mixing sharp striking with his dangerous grappling threats and showing the power, heart, and fight IQ that had carried him this far. Volkanovski, ever the master technician and pressure fighter, weathered the early storms and imposed his will as the rounds wore on, but Lopes never wilted. He competed for every second of every round on the biggest stage of his career. When the final horn sounded, Volkanovski took the unanimous decision (scores of 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46) to reclaim the title, but Lopes walked away with Fight of the Night honors and something far more valuable: irrefutable proof that he belonged among the elite. “I proved myself against the best guy in the world,” he said afterward. “Now I have even more confidence… I think I’m the best guy.” The performance silenced doubters and launched him firmly into the title picture conversation.
He didn’t slow down. On September 13, 2025, Lopes stayed active and delivered one of the most spectacular performances of his career against Jean Silva in a Noche UFC main event. Silva came out aggressively, pressing forward and looking to land his own spinning attacks. The two traded big shots throughout the fight, with Silva even attempting spinning back elbows of his own. Late in the second round, as Silva charged in, Lopes uncorked a perfectly timed spinning back elbow that sliced open a massive gash and sent his opponent crashing to the canvas. Lopes pounced immediately with ground-and-pound, forcing the stoppage at 4:48. The finish was highlight-reel gold: brutal, technical, and perfectly executed. It earned him Performance of the Night, Fight of the Night, and the full $100,000 bonus.
Then came the highly anticipated title rematch with Volkanovski on January 31, 2026, at UFC 325 in Sydney, Australia. This time it was Volkanovski defending his newly reclaimed belt in front of a raucous home crowd at the Qudos Bank Arena, a massive stage for the Australian legend. Lopes arrived sharper and more experienced, having learned from their first encounter. What followed was another five-round war packed with high-level exchanges, pressure, and resilience from both men. Lopes again showed he could hang with the very best, mixing strikes and grappling attempts while Volkanovski displayed vintage championship form. The fight went the distance, with Volkanovski earning another unanimous decision victory (49-46, 49-46, 50-45) to notch another successful title defense. Lopes once more earned Fight of the Night for his efforts. Through both title fights he grew, adapted, and came back sharper, absorbing lessons in fight IQ, pacing, and competing against all-time greats while never losing the aggressive, dangerous style that made him a fan favorite. But, questions arose about what he could do in the division going forward. With two unanimous decision losses against the champ, he would have to wait for his next moment. What was next?
On June 14, 2026, at the historic UFC Freedom 250 event on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., Lopes reminded everyone exactly who he is. The card itself was unprecedented, a one-of-a-kind spectacle hosted at the iconic location, and Lopes opened the show in emphatic fashion against Steve Garcia. Garcia had early success and looked sharp, but Lopes weathered the pressure, adjusted, and exploded in the second round. A short, powerful left hook dropped Garcia to a knee. As Garcia tried to fire back, Lopes followed up with precise strikes that put him on his back, where ground-and-pound sealed the knockout at 2:42. It was a thunderous, highlight-reel finish that set the tone for the entire event and left no doubt about Lopes’ power and finishing ability. The kid who once had nothing... who left Manaus with a vow to his family, built a second home and a non-profit academy in Puebla, and trained relentlessly at Lobo Gym, now stood among the elite, carrying the flags of two nations into every cage and delivering performances on the biggest stages imaginable.
Diego Lopes never expected the easy path in life. He left everything familiar at nineteen with only a promise and a dream. He built a life, a gym, and a community in a foreign country that embraced him completely as one of their own. He has tasted the highest highs and absorbed the hardest lessons against legends. Yet he prevailed through every short-notice call, every title fight loss, and every moment that could have broken lesser men.
He fights not just for rankings or highlight reels, but for the parents who sacrificed so much back home, for the children who now walk into Brazilian Warriors with the same hungry eyes he once had, and for the Mexican people who turned a Brazilian kid from the Amazon into one of their own. He carries the strength of two cultures and the unbreakable spirit of someone who turned “nothing” into something that lifts others.
From the humid gyms of Manaus to the proud arenas of Mexico and the brightest lights of the UFC, Diego Lopes has never forgotten where he started or who he fights for. He has already written a story bigger than anyone expected from the boy who once vowed to make life better for his family. Whatever comes next he carries something far more powerful than any record or belt:
The living proof that the greatest victory in life is lifting others as you rise.
@MMA_Yukiya Royval is a great guy, we root for him.
https://t.co/K72AA33Z5K
👏❤️ Brandon Royval has been a volunteer at the Denver Dream Center for 5 years
They pick up kids from lower income areas nearby, give them food and support them
Massive respect 🙏
(via @ufc)
Well, anticlimactic ending to an amazing card. 12-2!! Making us 23-4! since starting our predictions in Baku. I will have more featherweight write-ups tomorrow(and re-pin the thread) and start write-ups for Du Plessis vs Usman on Monday. #UFC329 Good night everyone!
✅ Costa
✅ Gandra
✅ Basharat
❌ Almeida - Great read on the fight, despite bad pick.
✅ Cong
✅ Riley
✅ Yanez
✅ Steveson
✅ Whittaker
✅ Green
✅ Royval
❌ Sandhagen - Not a terrible read on the fight, Bautista impressed on the feet.
✅ Pimblett
✅ Holloway
Here are my collective predictions for UFC 329. Lots of really good, close fights on paper. There's A LOT on the line for many of these fighters, from careers possibly ending to debuts to returns. Many picks are not locks, and three of them are low confidence. Should be fun!
Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway -
Max Holloway by TKO(R3). Have to take the layoff into account.
Benoît Saint Denis vs. Paddy Pimblett -
Paddy Pimblett by Submission(R2). This one is hard to call.
Cory Sandhagen vs. Mario Bautista -
Cory Sandhagen by Decision.
Brandon Royval vs. Lone’er Kavanagh -
Brandon Royval by Decision.
King Green vs. Terrance McKinney -
King Green by Decision. Yes, I think McKinney sees the scorecards for the first time. Hard to call though, Green fights hands down and McKinney swings hard.
Robert Whittaker vs. Nikita Krylov -
Robert Whittaker by Decision.
Gable Steveson vs. Elisha Ellison -
Gable Steveson by KO/TKO(R1).
Cody Garbrandt vs. Adrian Yanez -
Adrian Yanez by KO/TKO(R2). If only they were both in their prime for this one.
Kai Kamaka III vs. Luke Riley -
Luke Riley by Decision.
Tracy Cortez vs. Cong Wang -
Cong Wang by Decision.
Damian Pinas vs. César Almeida -
César Almeida by KO/TKO(R2). Don't get me wrong, I love watching Damian fight, but stylistically this is bad for him if Almeida can remotely keep up with the speed.
Farid Basharat vs. John Garza -
Farid Basharat by Decision.
Ryan Gandra vs. Zach Reese -
Ryan Gandra by KO/TKO(R1). If Reese can grapple he has a chance to win this, but that striking defense is scary against Gandra.
Cody Durden vs. Alessandro Costa -
Alessandro Costa by KO/TKO(R2) after Cody probably wins R1 and gasses himself.
#UFC329 #McGregorVsHolloway #SaintDenisVsPimblett #UFCPredictions #UFCpicks #MMAPredictions #UFC #MMA #FightNight #LasVegas
Oh my goodness... #UFC329
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