

Diego Lopes has put the featherweight division on alert with his unusual finish at UFC Nashville. The Brazilian fighter fought Gavin Tucker in a high-voltage match on August 5 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. The stacked fight card promised fans fireworks, flashy knockouts, and closely contested fights. Further, the fans were delighted when they witnessed a rare flying armbar submission.
The 28-year-old fighter seized the headline when he made his debut against Movsar Evloev at UFC 288. Taking the fight at short notice, he turned in a gutsy performance and even bagged a Fight of the Night bonus. Those extra dollar bills helped him realize his dreams as he bought a house for his mother. However, the fight only gave fans a glimpse into the fighting prowess of Lopes. What followed in the next fight was a sheer display of astute fighting acumen.
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Notably, Lopes won the fight via a flying armbar submission in the first round.
What happened in the fight at UFC Nashville?
Both the fighters sized up each other but Tucker accidentally landed a low blow kick early in the fight. That halted the fight, and as per official rules, a point could be docked from Tucker. But the fight didn’t see the second round as Lopes pulled a stunner.
Lopes recovered from the blow within a minute and was instantly taken down. However, Lopes caught Tucker’s arm and then his head in a flying triangle. It left Tucker in a tight spot as he crumbled and struggled to get away from the clutch. However, the efforts proved futile. Lopes soon transitioned the flying triangle into a triangle armbar. Thus, leaving his opponent in anguishing pain.
The referee soon halted the fight, and thus Lopez collected another spectacular win. In the post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, he announced, “I’m so happy… I’m a different Diego.”
It was only last month that Lopes took a fight on short notice, but lost. However, he already has his eyes set on his appearance, on November 4th in Brazil. To make sure his demand was heard, he sent a message to the UFC President. He said, “Dana [White], Sean [Shelby], I’m ready no matter who. Whether ranked or not.”
How did the fans react to the mind-boggling submission?
The fans praised Lopes for his submission skills and compared him to Charles Oliveira. They also pointed out he might cause trouble for the division champion, Alexander Volkanovski.
That's a dangerous dude right there man… and that fight with Movsar probably increased his confidence astronomically.
— TahrayTheImperfectionist (@YRNSwazyy) August 6, 2023
TITLE SHOT MIGHT AS WELL!!
— GucciSerg (@sergiodaGOAT) August 6, 2023
he submits volk i dont care
— black midi stan (@elonmusksacuck) August 6, 2023
We’re watching the next Charles Oliveira in the making
— tonio (@ANTONIOEESPARZA) August 6, 2023
incredible turn of events from nutcracker to submission finish and keeps the translator employed #UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/YiEZ2s5Ng4
— Eddie-Capital (@eddiejedi) August 6, 2023
He should get the ref's check for doing his job for him the entire fight. Nutshot and stoppage, that ref was basically in the stands.
— Naz (@NazcaanKing) August 6, 2023
Alex Volkanovski, count your days.
— ham (@GoinHAM9HD) August 6, 2023
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Diego Lopes submits Gavin Tucker🔥 pic.twitter.com/FjBz9Pa0eJ
— 🔥 (@FireMMAVid) August 6, 2023
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What do you make of this exciting fight at UFC Nashville? Let us know in the comments below.
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