"You're a MACHINE" - Fans react to Diego Lopes confirming backup fighter role for Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway title clash at UFC 308

Diego Lopes clinched the biggest win of his career so far when he outclassed Brian Ortega at UFC 306. However, the 29-year-old has no plans to slow down and is set to be the official backup for the UFC 308 featherweight title clash between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway on Oct. 26. Suffice it to say, fans are impressed.

This means if one of the main eventers indeed drops out and Lopes steps up, he'll doing so just over a month after his most recent fight.

Furthermore, if the Brazilian fights at the pay-per-view, it will be his fourth bout of the year. Lopes' work rate has won over the fans. As the fighter announced the news about him being the official backup, netizens delved into his comments section, singing praises for him.

Screenshot via @Diegolopesmma on X

@ColbyMFFL wrote:

"You're a MACHINE."

@gring01234 chimed in:

"Alex Pereira, Charles Oliveira and Diego Lopes. The three men carrying the UFC."

@Richard81015260 opined:

"Bro is definitely fighting for the BMF belt one day."

Check out a few more reactions below:

Fan comments [Images courtesy: @Diegolopesmma on X]

The win over 'T-City' has elevated Lopes to the third spot on the featherweight ladder. He has been undefeated since August 2023 and is currently on a five-fight win streak.

Lopes is bound to be a handful for anyone, especially considering his insane finishing rate. He has clinched 22 out of his 26 wins via finishes (10 knockouts and 12 submissions).

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Diego Lopes predicts Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway

While Diego Lopes thinks Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway is a close one, he is leaning toward the BMF champion walking away with the win.

Lopes believes both fighters have shown vulnerabilities against opponents who have characteristics similar to each other. Speaking to the media during the pre-fight press conference of UFC 303, he said:

"Ilia comes in with the youth. Young fighter, knows what he is doing, very aggressive as well. And Max, I think is a fighter that has seen it all, an experienced fighter if you think about it... I think Max has faced a bit of a challenge with fighters that have been a bit shorter than him, just like he had with [Alexander] Volkanovski, same time Ilia perhaps facing a challenge with fighters that have a longer reach. So I think it will be a very interesting fight, but I do lean towards Max on that one."

Check out Diego Lopes' comments below (19:09):

The match makers however are favoring 'El Matador' to win the contest. Per UFC's official website, Topuria is a -205 favorite over Holloway (+170) for the matchup.