Diego Lopes Unexpectedly Named Backup Fighter for UFC Freedom 250 Main Event. On UFC Freedom 250 weigh-in day, Diego Lopes stepped on the scales twice. He was appointed the official backup for the fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. The decision changed the lineup for the event’s main bout.
In Washington, on the eve of the UFC Freedom 250 tournament, there was an unexpected change in the list of backup fighters for the main event. Diego Lopes, who was originally preparing to face Steve Garcia at featherweight, was announced as the official reserve for the title bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. This decision became known after Lopes underwent the weigh-in procedure twice in a single morning.
First, Lopes successfully made weight for his fight with Garcia, showing 146 pounds on the scale. However, an hour later, he stepped on the scale again, this time at 154 pounds, to serve as the backup for the evening's main event. This move came as a surprise, as it was previously believed that Arman Tsarukyan would take on the reserve role. However, Tsarukyan had announced in advance that he would not be able to attend the weigh-in in Washington, as he was in St. Louis participating in another event.
Appointing Lopes as the reserve for the Topuria vs. Gaethje fight means that, in case of emergency, he will be able to step in for one of the main event participants. At the same time, Lopes was supposed to open the tournament with his fight against Garcia, and his participation in the title bout is only possible in the event of an emergency substitution before the main card begins.
In UFC history, Lopes has already shown readiness to accept short-notice challenges: in 2024, he stepped in for a fight against Dan Ige at UFC 303 when the original opponent had to withdraw unexpectedly due to illness. On that occasion, Lopes agreed to a catchweight bout and claimed victory.
The situation with the reserve fighter in the main event of UFC Freedom 250 raises questions about the future prospects of Arman Tsarukyan, who was previously considered the next title contender. Now his status may be reconsidered after the tournament concludes.
UFC Freedom 250 will take place on Sunday and features seven fights, two of which are title bouts. All participants successfully made weight, allowing organizers to swiftly respond to changes in the fight card. UFC events in the USA traditionally attract interest from the Spanish audience, especially when there are unexpected reshuffles and opportunities for fighters to prove themselves at the highest level.
For reference: the UFC regularly appoints backup fighters for main bouts to avoid cancellation of title fights in the event of force majeure. Weigh-ins are conducted strictly according to regulations, and fighters are required to make weight limits for each division. Replacement decisions are made directly before the tournament, based on the readiness and location of the athletes.
