Diego Lopes displayed tremendous heart and skill in his clash with Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 314 for the vacant featherweight title. Although Lopes came up short in a hard-fought unanimous decision, he proved himself as a legitimate top contender. The fight saw Lopes showcase his power, nearly securing a finish in the second round when he dropped Volkanovski with a right hand. Despite this, Volkanovski’s resilience and experience allowed him to weather the storm and rally back in the later rounds. Lopes’ ability to challenge one of the best featherweights in the world solidified his position as a serious threat in the division.

Next up for Diego Lopes should be a matchup with Arnold Allen. Allen is ranked #6 in the featherweight division and is coming off a loss to Movsar Evloev in January 2024. Despite this setback, Allen remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the division, known for his striking and ability to stay calm under pressure. A bout between Lopes and Allen would be a high-stakes contest for both men, offering Lopes a chance to bounce back and potentially earn a future title shot. For Allen, it would provide an opportunity to reassert himself in the title picture.

Lopes brings a relentless pace with his aggressive striking and grappling. His power, especially with his right hand, was on full display against Volkanovski, as he managed to hurt the former champion. His ability to recover and stay dangerous even after taking damage makes him a difficult puzzle for many fighters. However, he tends to leave himself open at times, which could be problematic against Allen, who is more measured in his approach. Allen's technical striking, footwork, and defensive wrestling could give him an edge in this fight, especially if he can avoid getting caught in exchanges. Lopes, however, has the ability to make it a chaotic fight, and that unpredictability could work in his favor.

A fight between Lopes and Allen could headline a UFC Fight Night event or serve as a co-main event on a major PPV card, especially given both fighters' position near the top of the featherweight rankings. This bout would have high stakes, with the winner likely moving closer to a title shot.

Lopes' impressive recent record shows his growth and readiness for top-tier opponents. A fight with Arnold Allen would not only test his championship potential but also continue his rise in the featherweight division.

Last Five Fights (Diego Lopes):

1. Loss to Alexander Volkanovski – Decision (unanimous), UFC 314
2. Win over Brian Ortega – Decision (unanimous), UFC 306
3. Win over Dan Ige – Decision (unanimous), UFC 303
4. Win over Sodiq Yusuff – TKO (punches), UFC 300
5. Win over Pat Sabatini – KO (punches), UFC 295

Last Five Fights (Arnold Allen):

1. Win over Giga Chikadze – Decision(unanimous), UFC 304
2. Loss to Movsar Evloev – Decision (unanimous), UFC 297
3. Loss to Max Holloway – Decision (unanimous), UFC on ESPN: Holloway vs. Allen
4. Win over Calvin Kattar – TKO (knee injury), UFC Fight Night: Kattar vs. Allen
5. Win over Dan Hooker – TKO (punches and elbows), UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Aspinall (Performance of the Night)