WATCH: UFC comeback, Diego Lopes triangles opponent, breaks his arm after low blow

John Davis

Diego Lopes made a remarkable impact at UFC FN: Sandhagen vs. Font with a stunning first-round submission win over Gavin Tucker. Lopes, who previously debuted in the UFC against Movsar Evloev, impressed the MMA community by securing his first victory in the promotion with a triangle armbar submission.

Despite facing an early low blow from Tucker, Lopes quickly recovered and showcased his resilience. He transitioned from a triangle to an armbar with precision, ultimately forcing Tucker to tap out. Lopes’ victory improved his professional MMA record to 22-6 and demonstrated his potential in the featherweight division.

Lopes’ performance garnered praise from fellow UFC stars and fans alike. Former UFC light heavyweight title contender Jimi Manuwa even noted that the referee didn’t immediately call the submission, as Lopes got up and celebrated before the call.

Lopes has been on an impressive winning streak, securing 20 victories in his last 22 outings, with an astonishing 13 first-round stoppages. His dominant display in the recent match establishes him as a force to be reckoned with in the UFC featherweight division.

In a post-fight octagon interview, Lopes expressed his intent to finish and attributed his success to his background in jiu-jitsu competitions. He also revealed his desire to compete in the upcoming UFC event in Sao Paulo, Brazil, scheduled for November 4.

Lopes’ walk-off submission victory was a highlight of UFC Nashville and showcased his potential to become a notable contender in the featherweight division.

At UFC on ESPN 50, everybody who secured a finish was generously rewarded with extra $50,000 each. Notable among these finishes was Tatiana Suarez’s triumphant return to the octagon, where she displayed her skills against former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade. Suarez showcased her dominance by securing a guillotine submission, proving her readiness to compete at the highest level once again.

Dustin Jacoby’s performance in the co-main event was equally impressive, as he delivered a knockout victory over Kennedy Nzechukwu in the first round. Jacoby showcased his striking skills, overwhelming his opponent with a series of punches that ended the event early.

Completing the roster of impressive finishes was Asu Almabaev, who secured a notable  submission over Ode Osbourne.

UFC awarded the following fighters with $50,000 bonuses for their exceptional performances:

Tatiana Suarez
Dustin Jacoby
Diego Lopes
Carlston Harris
Asu Almabaev

John Davis