Diego Lopes vs Steve Garcia Prediction and Tips

Diego Lopes will look to reassert his position as one of the top contenders in the UFC featherweight division when he takes on Steve Garcia at the landmark Freedom 250 card at the White House on Sunday night.

Adam Catterall's Diego Lopes vs Steve Garcia Tips

• Diego Lopes by Decision or Technical Decision - 16/5

Despite being unsuccessful in his two attempts to claim UFC gold against Alexander Volkanovski, Diego Lopes remains one of the top fighters in the world today at 145lbs.

Since climbing into the featherweight rankings Lopes has taken on a murderers' row of top contenders and will once again fight one of the best the division has to offer when he takes on #9 ranked Garcia on Sunday night.

After losing two of his first three UFC fights Garcia was once in danger of being cut from the promotion but has since found his feet and enters this weekend unbeaten in his last seven outings.

While Garcia is riding a wave of momentum, MMA expert Adam Catterall said he thinks Lopes has the ability and experience to emerge victorious in the curtain raiser this weekend.

"This is going to be absolutely brilliant," Catterall said on bet365 Cageside. "There is a sheet of paper between them when it comes to the betting lines, Diego Lopes is the slight favourite.

"The run that Steve Garcia is currently on will give him an unbelievable amount of confidence going into this fight. This is his biggest opportunity, on the biggest stage.

"Stylistically it’s going to be a war, it’s going to be a firecracker and I think it’s another fight that’s going to go long.

"I think we’re going to get the full 15 minutes here but you’re going to be on the edge of your seat, standing at the end, proper ovation for both of these guys.

"I’m going to edge towards Diego Lopes just eking this out because he’s been at the big moments, he’s been in these situations before and he does improve as a fight goes on.

"I think Diego Lopes will come through, and I think it’s going to be a decision victory."

Odds displayed in the above article were correct at time of publishing and are subject to change or withdrawal at any time.