Alexa Grasso reacts to Diego Lopes showing off his English skills
Diego Lopes showcased his bilingual skills and the reigning UFC titleholder showed their support. The Portuguese-speaking featherweight competitor stepped out of his comfort zone to showcase his linguistic skills in English before his fight this weekend. Lopes prepares to battle with the No.3-ranked contender, Brian Ortega in the UFC 303 co-main event on June 29.
The current UFC flyweight champion Alexa Grasso took notice of Lopes speaking English in the lead-up to this massive matchup and seemed impressed by his efforts.
At the UFC 303 media day, Lopes said:
"I think Brian [Ortega] is a good fighter. So, so much experience in the UFC. The guy's stayed in the rankings list a long time. I think it's the difference is that I'm so explosive for the fight, you know? I think Brian's the good jiu jitsu, good boxing but I have good jiu jitsu, good boxing too. Yeah, I hope it's the great fight for Saturday night. Yeah, I'm ready."
He added:
"Yeah, I mean I improved my English. I've been practicing. I promised it for the guys my last time, UFC translators at UFC 300. My English is better. But I think it's better, I don't know [laughs]."
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Check out Lopes showcasing his improved English pre-UFC 303 below
Diego Lopes and his UFC journey so far
Diego Lopes' path with the UFC has been one of overcoming early adversities but he seems to have settled in comfortably for a strong run as of late.
The 29-year-old collected multiple regional circuit titles at featherweight but fell short against Joanderson Brito on points in his Contender Series bid in August 2021.
Lopes had three MMA fights thereafter and would make his official UFC debut in May 2023. Another defeat happened in this outing when Lopes fell short via unanimous decision to the presently ranked number five featherweight contender Movsar Evloev at UFC 288.
The Amazonas native would earn his first win at UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Font. Lopes did so by defeating Gavin Tucker less than two minutes into round one via triangle armbar during their fight last August.
Lopes would then win his next two fights to ride a three-fight winning streak heading into Saturday night's next test. Diego Lopes would earn a pair of first-round finishes via strikes against Pat Sabatini at UFC 295 and Sodiq Yusuff at UFC 300, respectively.