Diego Lopes welcomes a possible fight against Alexander Volkanovski

ABU DHABI – Diego Lopes traveled the world for this reason.

Maybe he will fight. Maybe he won’t.

Four days before UFC 308, Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) doesn’t know. He is the emergency backup for the featherweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

“I train for both guys,” Lopes told MMA Junkie at UAE Warriors 55 on Tuesday. “…I’m up for anything, bro.”

In his usual elegant manner (albeit with an unusually fluent English explanation), Lopes explained that he hoped his services would not be needed. He wishes both participants in the main event all the best and is just as excited as the fans for the fight.

“I’m so excited to see the fight too,” Lopes said. “I hope that everything is fine on Friday morning and that the guys stay healthy for the fight on Saturday. I’m so excited for this Saturday evening. … But if the UFC needs me, I’m ready.”

If he doesn’t fight, it’s possible the stars could team up for a UFC 312 fight against Alexander Volkanovski in Sydney. The event is scheduled for February 8th (locally February 9th). At a recent press conference announcing the event, Volkanovski (26-4 MMA, 13-3 UFC) mentioned Lopes as a potential opponent.

Lopes loves the idea and said if his services were not needed at UFC 308, he would be willing and hopeful that a fight against Volkanovski would come to fruition.

“If UFC has that plan, yes,” Lopes said. “I’m ready to fight Volkanovski in Australia. I think it’s the biggest deal for the division for the next title fight. If the UFC makes me the fighter to fight Volkanovski in Australia, I’m ready. … Title or not, I’m looking forward to the fight against Volk.”

For more information on the card, check out MMA Junkie’s UFC 308 event hub.