Joanderson Brito defeated a UFC title challenger on Dana White’s Contender Series to earn his spot on the roster

The fight that Murphy called for following his win at UFC 308 isn’t the only big matchup that is taking place at featherweight on April 5.

In the co-main event of UFC Vegas 105, Brazil’s Joanderson Brito looks to bounce back from a split decision loss last time out when he takes on Pat Sabatini.

Brito has faced some tough tests in his career having beaten Diego Lopes back in 2021 before the featherweight title challenger produced a remarkable story to work his way to the top of the division.

Joanderson Brito beat Diego Lopes in a great fight on Dana White’s Contender Series

On the first episode of season 5 of Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021, the co-main event saw two 26-year-old Brazilian fight finishers collide.

Many believed ahead of the fight that Diego Lopes had faced the better opposition despite the fact that Joanderson Brito was coming off of a first-round finish over Chepe Mariscal.

Lopes had taken the fight on short notice and aside from an armbar attempt in the first round, he was unable to really threaten with his dangerous submission game.

Following two high-pace rounds where Brito got the better of the majority of the striking exchanges, the third came to a sudden halt after just over 30 seconds when Lopes suffered an eye poke.

He was unable to continue but despite referee Chris Tognoni deducting a point, Brito came out on top via a unanimous technical decision of 29-28.

Five UFC contracts were given out on that night despite the fact that only four fights took place.

Azamat Murzakanov, A.J. Fletcher and both Victor Altamirano and Carlos Candelario (who lost a split decision) were signed to the UFC.

When announcing the contract winners, Dana White said he had high expectations for Brito in the UFC before going on to say that even in defeat, he was impressed with Lopes.

“Obviously, a very s—– ending to a great fight. The first round was unbelievable. I actually think that Brito is possibly going to be one of the next great Brazilian fighters. I think that this kid’s incredibly talented and the fact that Diego took this fight on short notice too and fought the way that he did, this isn’t the last time we’re going to see him tonight.”

Diego Lopes did enough to impress the UFC bosses even in defeat

Having put up a good fight against a talented opponent on short notice, the UFC gave Diego Lopes another chance to impress two years later.

He went 2-1 after his Contender Series appearance but another gutsy display on short notice against Movsar Evloev at UFC 288 was all the UFC needed to see from him despite the fact that he suffered another defeat.

The instant fan favorite bought himself another shot at earning a win inside the Octagon and this time around, he had a full training camp behind him.

The 30-year-old has since won five in a row at 145-pounds with Lopes now set to face Alexander Volkanovski for the vacant featherweight title at UFC 314 on April 12.