Diego Lopes is determined not to repeat the same mistake he made before his first UFC title shot.
The Mexican favourite squared off against Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight belt last April, but fell short in a clear decision loss, despite scoring a knockdown.
Now, with a second chance looming at UFC 325, he is making sure his focus is fully locked in.
Diego Lopes knows why he lost at UFC 314
Lopes believes it was a mental barrier that kept him from capturing the featherweight title back in 2025.
The 31-year-old feels his defeat to ‘The Great’ came down to not enjoying the moment enough.
Speaking on the UFC 325 Countdown show, Lopes said: “He really had the perfect game plan for the fight.
“He was always one step ahead of me.
“I put a lot of pressure on myself, that I had to win no matter what.
“I forgot to enjoy the moment, and that cost me the fight.”
Diego Lopes offers apology before UFC 325 rematch
Lopes is not lacking confidence heading into the rematch and he has made it clear he expects to stop Volkanovski.
The 31-year-old contender even went as far as apologising to Australian fans in advance of the bout.
“I’m sorry, guys,” Lopes said. “This is my plan. Coming here to Australia and taking the belt. This is my dream, and this is my whole life.
“I’ve been working for this for a long time, and now I feel like I have the experience to take the belt.
“The knockout is coming.”
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