After his dominant victory over Brian Ortega at UFC 306, Diego Lopes has set his sights on climbing the ranks in the UFC Featherweight division. With his current momentum, several exciting matchups could be on the horizon, including potential bouts with elite fighters like Ilia Topuria, Max Holloway, Alexander Volkanovski, or Movsar Evloev.

1. Ilia Topuria – UFC Featherweight Champion

Topuria, an undefeated fighter with a professional record of 15-0, has made waves in the division. His most notable victory came against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, where he knocked out the former champion in the second round to claim the title. Known for his versatility, with 5 wins by knockout and 8 by submission, Topuria could be the ultimate test for Lopes. However, with Topuria currently holding the Featherweight belt and sitting at #4 in the pound-for-pound rankings, a title fight for Lopes may be some time away. Still, Lopes’ trajectory could lead to a potential showdown if he continues to build on his recent win.

2. Max Holloway – The ‘BMF’ Champion

Max Holloway, the former Featherweight Champion and current UFC ‘BMF’ Champion, presents a massive challenge for anyone in the division. Holloway’s striking prowess and fight IQ have earned him victories against elite opponents, including his recent knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. With a professional record of 26-7, Holloway is ranked #2 in the Featherweight division. A matchup between Holloway and Lopes would likely be a Fight of the Night contender, as both fighters are known for their relentless pace and entertaining styles.

3. Alexander Volkanovski – Former Featherweight Champion

Despite recent setbacks, Alexander Volkanovski remains one of the toughest competitors in the Featherweight division. Ranked #1 at Featherweight, Volkanovski boasts an impressive 26-4 record and is still considered a top contender after losses to Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev. A fight between Volkanovski and Lopes would be a monumental step for Lopes, giving him the opportunity to challenge a seasoned veteran with championship experience. Volkanovski’s well-rounded skill set and durability would make this a significant challenge for Lopes.

4. Movsar Evloev – Undefeated Prospect

Movsar Evloev holds an undefeated record of 18-0 and is currently ranked #6 in the Featherweight division. Evloev previously defeated Diego Lopes via unanimous decision at UFC 288 in a Fight of the Night performance. A rematch between these two could allow Lopes to avenge his loss and prove his growth as a fighter. Evloev’s wrestling and ground control are key aspects of his game, but Lopes has demonstrated improved striking and ground skills since their first encounter, potentially leading to a different outcome in a future fight.