UFC bars Diego Lopes from cornering Alessandro Costa on Noche UFC prelim
Scheduling rules prevent main-eventer Lopes from working Costa’s corner; Costa targets a quick win and November return.
Flyweight Alessandro Costa says the UFC will not allow headliner Diego Lopes to corner him earlier on the Noche UFC prelims due to scheduling conflicts. Costa, who faces short-notice foe Alden Coria, remains upbeat and expects Lopes to get the job done in the main event against Jean Silva.
Costa—now representing Mexico after a decade living there—hopes to bank a clean win on Saturday and jump right back in November, ideally rebooking the Edgar Chairez matchup that fell through.
Highlights (X & YouTube)
What it means
- Corner rules matter: Main-event timing often restricts coaches/fighters from working earlier bouts on the same card.
- Costa’s calculus: Beat Coria, then chase a ranked climb with a quick turnaround.
- Team dynamics: Expect Lopes’ team to prioritize the headliner while providing Costa tactical prep all week.