MMA fans on the internet shared their feelings about Diego Lopes, who failed to claim the featherweight title at UFC 314. After losing the title fight to Alexander Volkanovski, Lopes broke down backstage, prompting heartfelt reactions from MMA fans.
Diego Lopes Breaks Down After Loss to Alexander Volkanovski
Lopes lost by unanimous decision, with two judges scoring it 4-1 for Volkanovski. While he rocked “The Great” in the fourth round, Lopes couldn’t secure the finish.
After Bruce Buffer announced the result, Lopes showed respect in the Octagon interview with Joe Rogan and vowed to return stronger. However, the 30-year-old was visibly emotional backstage, as shown in a clip posted by @ChampRDS. In it, Lopes is consoled by his corner.
Watch the clip here:
Diego Lopes was emotional backstage after his loss to Alexander Volkanovski 💔
🎥 @TeamIridiumISA #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/JWRLIsPsJy
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 16, 2025
Fans quickly reacted. One user wrote, “We made him cry,” while another added, “People who have never fought, will never know how devastating it is to lose a fight.”
Others chimed in with:
“Real men cry because they care.”
Not everyone was sympathetic. One person said, “Brother gotta let them punches go. Lmao he could’ve KOd Volk 3 times in that fight. But just didn’t throw enough or follow up.” Another added, “He didn’t move forward enough.”
Diego Lopes’ Immediate Reaction After UFC 314
Lopes entered UFC 314 riding a five-fight win streak, having bounced back after his UFC debut loss to Movsar Evloev. Though he had moments of success, he struggled to impose his will on Volkanovski.
In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Lopes thanked fans in Brazil and Mexico and said, “Listen, it was an honor to share the Octagon with a guy like Alexander Volkanovski, but I’ll be back (translated from Portuguese).”
When asked if anything surprised him, Lopes responded, “He is so experienced in the UFC. What a great career he has had. Listen, today, maybe I came up short in the technical piece, but I can see myself coming back. (translated from Portuguese)”
Lopes emphasized that he’s only been in the UFC for two years and vowed to become featherweight champion one day.
Before UFC 314, Lopes also had a tense exchange with Yair Rodriguez, who defeated Patricio Pitbull on the main card. A future win over Rodriguez could set Lopes up for another title shot.
Despite the heartbreak at UFC 314, Lopes showed resilience, humility, and heart — qualities that have quickly made him a fan favorite. His promise to return stronger resonated with many, and if his trajectory continues, it’s only a matter of time before he earns another shot at featherweight gold.