Outside Source
On the streets of the Mutirão, a neighborhood in Manaus, Amazonas, the crowd was 100% for Diego Lopes. Just like in the fight against Alexander Volkanovski, Lopes’ family and childhood friends blocked off a street and set up a giant screen, creating a veritable carnival when their compatriot landed the spinning elbow that decided the fight. Watch the video below:
Amazonas and Mexico
Born in Manaus (the capital of the state of Amazonas) in December 1994, Lopes began training jiu-jitsu at just 5 years old at the encouragement of his father, Elias Freitas, who became his mentor and master.
Lopes began his MMA career at age 17, still in Brazil, winning seven of his first nine professional fights. In 2015, Diego received the opportunity to teach jiu-jitsu at a gym in Mexico, alongside current UFC flyweight Alessandro Costa. Having already become accustomed to the country, the fighter decided to put down roots where he was welcomed and moved permanently to Mexico, specifically to the city of Puebla. On Mexican soil, Lopes built much of his relationship with mixed martial arts and with people who would be instrumental in the furthering of his career. Having risen in the sport since his arrival there, Lopes has always made a point of representing Mexico while always honoring his roots.
Besides the impressive victory via TKO in the second round, Diego Lopes also returned home with full pockets. Overall, he garnered $100,000 in “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night” bonuses.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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