Morning Report | Jean Silva wants Diego Lopez next: “It’s just me and Diego left.”

Jean Silva wants Diego Lopez next.

In April, Silva scored the biggest victory of his career, putting Bryce Mitchell to sleep in a highly publicized grim match at UFC 314. Not only did FightSignal Silva arrive at the UFC featherweight rankings, but he announced him as the company’s up-and-coming star, and he later promoted the performance of the highlight reel. And now he wants to build on that momentum by squaring with Diego Lopez, one of the division’s biggest fan favorites.

“I want to make it clear that this fight didn’t come to me,” Silva said on his YouTube channel. “Of course, I think it’s a great fight for my game. I think it’s perfect. I’ve studied that guy a lot of games. I think it’s a great fight to compete for the belt later on. But honestly, what do you think?

“I think Evloev will be fighting Aaron Pico, who has just entered the UFC. I don’t know if the UFC wants Evloev as the champion. So will this drive him away and lose to Pico? It makes sense now.

In a way, Lopez is Jean Silva before Jean Silva. Lopez made his promotional debut in 2023, losing a brief violation match against Movsar Evloev in a lively effort. He then rattles five consecutive victories. There were many thrilling finishes and they hit tickets for the title fight alongside their fanbase. Unfortunately, he lost his decision to Alexander Volkanovsky in the main event of UFC 314, and fighting the “Lord” is a big step back in Lopez’s rankings, but Silva thinks it can be used for a great opportunity.

“If he goes ahead of me in the rankings, he’ll probably say, ‘If I beat Jean, I’ll fight for the belt’, to embrace Diego fighting me,” Silva said. “That’s what he asks the UFC, the UFC says yes, but he doesn’t beat me. As long as he’s with me, he won’t win. Forget that.”

As Silva mentions, this is pure speculation at this point, but Silva is pushing it forward in his face against people like Arnold Allen and Leron Murphy. Also, if you match two of the sport’s most exciting featherweights, don’t do it with the “BMF” belt, a card thrown into the UFC 318.

“I don’t know where they’ll fit in this fight. Is Max Holloway vs. Justin Gesche BMF (UFC 318)?” Silva suggested. “I think it’s going to be a good day.”

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another. Former head coach at Ilia Topuria explains how farewells before UFC 317. “He wants to fly away.”

beef. Islam Makhachev Trash’s “average athlete” Chael Sonnen replies after claiming he is ducking Ilia Topuria.

Suspicion. Erin Branchfield doubts that Chan Weli finds success in the flyweight division: “I haven’t seen her even in the top five at 125.”

China. The UFC announces it will return to Shanghai in August for a fight night card.

Ranking. What does the movements of Islamic Makhachev and Ilia Topria mean for the future of the UFC?

The MMA fighting rankings will be displayed.

Between links.

Israel Adesanya and Sean O’Malley train together.

Good man/bad guy, Chael Sonnen, talking about Islam Makhachev.

They’re not even trying to cause controversy, but is this fight a “classic”?

It appears that Movsar Evloev is being screwed through the title show.

Speaking of deserving a challenger.

It’s not like you’re going to die (although it’s displayed under your own name).

He was called out.

….what? This is probably a battle that will soon happen. Why is this your choice?

Paul Craig (17-9-1) Vs. Rodolfo Berato (12-2-1); UFC Atlanta, June 14th.

Everyone, enjoy MMA weekend. Spend time with your loved ones, go outside, or enjoy other hobbies. It’s good to take time off from time to time.

Also, there are no reports on Monday morning as it is a US anniversary. See you next Tuesday.

If you find something you want to see in your morning report, @Alexanderklee or @jedkmeshew Let us know about it on Twitter. Also, follow mmafighting Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktokand like us Facebook.