Featherweight contender Diego Lopes will serve as the backup fight for the main event of UFC 308.
Ilia Topuria is set to defend the belt for the first time against Max Holloway on October 26 in Abu Dhabi in one of the most anticipated fights of the year.
After Lopes announced the news himself via social media, it was later confirmed by MMA Fighting.
The Brazilian has won three fights this year and is currently ranked as the #3 contender at 145-pounds.
He was last in action at UFC 306 this month where he defeated former title challenger Brian Ortega via a unanimous decision.
After the fight, he called to face former champion Alexander Volkanovski but didn't get his wish, at least for the time being.
Volkanovski has been waiting on the sidelines to see how the main event of UFC 308 plays out after losing the title to Topuria in February.
Should either Topuria or Holloway withdraw from October 26, Lopes will be ready to step in at the Etihad Arena.
