Diego Lopes’ next fight will shake up UFC lightweight division

While UFC 330 is just a day away, new storylines and developments are always taking shape within MMA‘s main attraction. 

Islam Makhachev defends his welterweight title on Saturday night against No. 1 contender Ian Machado Garry. Makhachev won the 170-pound title back in November of 2025, after moving up from lightweight. 

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Prominent fighters move divisions every year in the UFC, and that trend is gearing up to continue. Diego Lopes has been a staple in the Featherweight division ever since making his UFC debut in 2023. 

After two failed attempts at winning the 145-pound strap against Alexander Volkanovski. Lopes announced on social media that his days of competing at featherweight are over.

In an Instagram post, Lopes is pictured with UFC Vice President Hunter Campbell. Lopes captioned the post, saying, “Just another day to do good business.” Along with the caption, Lopes included “#155,” which confirms a move up a weight class. 

With 155 in sight, matchmaking in the lightweight division becomes even more fun. Lopes isn’t going to just take any fight in the division; right away, he’s going to fight at the top of 155. The only question is who. 

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Diego Lopes vs Charles Oliveira is the obvious fight to make

Oliveira is suddenly in a weird spot within the lightweight division. Arman Tsarukyan was recently booked against Mauricio Ruffy. This leaves Oliveira without a top contender to fight, since Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett seem like the next big matchup at lightweight.

There isn’t a more entertaining, exciting, and logical matchup for Oliveira than Lopes in his lightweight debut. The UFC can make that fight a No. 1 contender bout and put the BMF title on the line as well. 

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Oliveira won the BMF title in a win over Max Holloway. In doing so, solidified his status as a viable contender at lightweight. 

If there was ever a perfect time to make this fight, it’s November at Madison Square Garden. The UFC always stacks the MSG card. With that said, this would be the perfect co-main event under an undisputed title fight. 

Lopes even mentioned the MSG card as a target date for his move up to lightweight. Speaking with AG Fight, Lopes said, “I want to fight in November at MSG. I think that’s a good date for me, and it also gives me enough time to adapt my weight a little more for 155.”

Lightweight is already a stacked weight class filled with stars. Now another steps in and immediately looks to cause chaos.

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