Diego Lopes wants to stop Sodiq Yusuff first

LAS VEGAS – Diego Lopes believes he has a huge chance to make a statement.

The fan-favorite UFC featherweight will compete at the huge UFC 300 event in Las Vegas on Saturday when he takes on veteran Sodiq Yusuff on the preliminary card. It's a big highlight for any fighter and that's why Lopes (23-6 MMA, 2-1 UFC) wants to make the most of it. That means not only defeating Yusuff (13-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC), but also being the first man to stop him.

“That’s my goal,” Lopes told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “I want to finish the fight against Sodiq and send a clear message that there is a new competitor in the division. That’s the message I’m looking for and want to send to everyone.”

Lopes has great respect for Yusuff and believes that a win over him will mean automatic entry into the rankings. The Brazilian admits he has a tough task ahead of him, but he is preparing not to let the fight come to a decision.

“I know he is a very consistent fighter in the UFC and someone who has fought very good names in the division,” Lopes said. “He has only suffered two defeats in the UFC, against Edson Barboza, who is a legend of the sport, and Arnold Allen, who is ranked sixth or seventh in the rankings. This is a very important fight for me. It’s helped me work harder and I’m focused on becoming the first person to beat Sodiq Yusuff in the UFC.”

Aside from Yusuff, Lopes is excited to be a part of UFC 300. He has been with the promotion for less than a year and is happy that the UFC considered him for the event despite his short tenure in the promotion.

“I will be part of history,” Lopes said. “I’m in a place that a lot of fighters dream of and would like to be. Every fighter in the UFC wanted a spot because of the size and impact the event will have. As we know, this is a historic event, the 300th UFC pay-per-view. There is only one in history, and I will be a part of it. It's incredible.”

For more information on the card, check out MMA Junkie's UFC 300 event hub.