Diego Lopes finally gets his first win inside the octagon with a dominant submission victory over Gavin Tucker.
In main card of UFC Nashville, Diego Lopes offered himself Gavin Tucker thanks to a magnificent submission in the 1st round.
We left the valiant Diego Lopes on a loss to the undefeated Movsar Evloev at UFC 288, in short notice. We found him in Olympic form, and expeditious against his evening opponent, Gavin Tucker.
From the first round, after a few seconds, the Canadian tries to take Diego Lopes to the ground. The latter seizes the opportunity to attempt a flying triangle which destabilizes Tucker. On the ground on his back, Lopes locks a triangle then an armbar which completely traps his rival. With skill and mastery, he even manages to turn it around in a spectacular situation. He won by submission in less than two minutes of combat… Exceptional!
👊 STATEMENT MADE 👊
Diego Lopes with a big win over Gavin Tucker 👊#UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/EXQwi3zx6l
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) August 6, 2023
Tucker tried to pull out of the triangle choke, and initially, he had space to move as Lopes worked to close his legs around the neck. It was a yank of the arm that forced Tucker to move closer to avoid a joint-popping crank of his elbow.
But that move wound up being his undoing as Lopes secured the triangle and then went belly down, sending the two rolling and trading position as he went to mounted triangle. By then, Tucker had already submitted to the hold, and Lopes walked away triumphantly.
DIEGO LOPES IS FOR REAL!!!!! 🤯 #UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/Y9vEW8tNF7
— UFC (@ufc) August 6, 2023
The win put Lopes back on the right foot after a decision loss to Movsar Evloev in his previous outing. It was Tucker’s second straight setback after a knockout loss to Dan Ige in his previous performance.
