Diego Lopes to serve as backup fighter for UFC 308 title fight between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway

Diego Lopes | Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Diego Lopes may get what he wants after all.

On Friday, Lopes announced he will serve as the backup fighter for the UFC 308 featherweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway. MMA Fighting confirmed the news via multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans.

“Officially back up for the fight on October 26th. See you in Abu Dhabi”

Lopes has already fought three times this year, most recently at UFC 306 where he won a unanimous decision over Brian Ortega to move to No. 3 in the UFC featherweight rankings. Following his win, Lopes declared his interest in either fighting for the title next or taking on former champion Alexander Volkanovski. Now should something happen to either Topuria or Holloway before UFC 308, Lopes may get his opportunity.

It’s unclear how, if at all, this decision may affect Volkanovski, who appeared poised to fight the winner of Topuria vs. Holloway.

UFC 308 takes place on Oct. 26 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.