Joanderson Brito | The Devil Is In The Details

Brito did, in fact, get a victory over the surging featherweight, who is set to challenge Alexander Volkanovski for the vacant divisional title next weekend in the main event of UFC 314 at Kaseya Center in Miami, winning by technical decision seconds into the third round of their Season 5 meeting after Lopes could not continue following an accidental eye poke.

“Whenever you see a fight between two people like that, with a common opponent, you start getting a little idea of what’s going to happen,” he added, the sentiment applicable to both of their shared adversaries.

When asked about having a victory over Lopes and the success his compatriot has since gone on to enjoy since arriving on the UFC stage, the laid back native of Santa Helena fighting out of Barau, Sao Paulo, Brazil suggested that the only differences between he and his former opponent are the opportunities and backing Lopes has received.

“I don’t see much of a difference in our paths,” he began. “The difference is the UFC just said, ‘Come here, son’ and welcomed him with open arms. ‘We’re really going to stand behind you.’”