Rising Brazilian contender offers to step in at UFC 307 against Movsar Evloev after Aljamain Sterling announces his withdrawal

The undefeated Russian is currently ranked sixth in the division and could finally secure a title shot with two more victories. However, he now has to find a suitable dance partner at short notice.

Diego Lopes is not interested in a rematch against Movsar Evloev at UFC 307

The 30-year-old remains extremely active on social media and has challenged Diego Lopes for a rematch at short notice, but the up-and-coming Brazilian does not seem to be interested.

Lopes' rise to stardom began with a fight against Evloev when he stepped in on short notice to face the Russian at UFC 288 last year after Bryce Mitchell withdrew.

A year later, Lopes is now ranked third in his division and knocking on the door of a featherweight title shot, and he probably just needs one more win before he gets that chance.

“Hey @diegolopesmma if you want to defend your honor you have 2.5 weeks to erase this loss from your record,” Evloev tweeted to Lopes on X.

“You had your chance a few months ago when I called you to fight! Now you sit back and watch the bus make you wait,” Lopes replied.

Lopes continued to reject Evloev's desperate call for a rematch, saying: “Brother, since my first win in the UFC, I have been challenging you to fight. You could use the excuse that you are above me in the rankings.”

“Since our fight, I have won five times. You, on the other hand, have only fought once. You were lower in the rankings, not to mention that you didn't defeat anyone.”

Impressive featherweight offers to step in against Evloev at UFC 307

Although Evloev is likely hoping that one of the fighters above him in the rankings will offer his spot, an up-and-coming Brazilian contender ranked just outside the top 15 has agreed to step in for the biggest opportunity of his career yet.

Since signing to Dana White's Contender Series last year, Jean Silva has notched three extremely impressive victories, with his latest coming against former ranked Drew Dober.

Despite not having a ranking next to his name, the 27-year-old has put his name in the draw to fight Evloev with just two and a half weeks' notice.

In response to Silva's offer to step in, Evloev said: “A lot of people say on the internet that they want to fight me, but if you really want to fight me, call the UFC and I will fight you. We'll do 145 pounds and then we'll go. I know you are more dangerous than Sterling, but if I want to be champion, I have to beat everyone.”

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