One of the most promising welterweight prospects in MMA today, Jorge Lopez (9-1-0), is on a mission. That mission is what most any up and coming fighter’s mission is: a shot at the top talent on the biggest stage in the world…the UFC. Also known as “Lil’ Monster”, Lopez trains out of Las Vegas with the Wand Fight Team and is looking to make a statement with his next fight.
Lopez is on an 8 fight win streak and wants to make it 9 with a win over his next opponent, the toughest test he has faced yet in Native American gladiator Waachiim Spiritwolf (9-7-1) at Tachi Palace 9 on May 6th. Spiritwolf is a fighter known for his fighting spirit, bloodlust and overall durability. Lopez is very well rounded and has a similar style to his mentor, Wanderlei Silva. He [Lopez] also brings youth and technicality to the table and is expecting an exciting war where only one guy will be standing when the mud clears from water.
Dave Herbert: You have a tough fight coming up with Waachiim Spiritwolf at Tachi Palace 9. What are your thoughts on Spiritwolf as a fighter?
Jorge Lopez: I think he’s a great fighter and he’s built like a tank. He’s always putting on exciting fights. He likes to come forward and bang; push the pace of the fight. Spiritwolf is the type of fighter that can make any fight exciting because he just keeps coming forward and he always comes to fight. It’s exciting for me because I’ve never fought anybody as tough as him. It will be a real test for me.
DH: Are you expecting a standup war?
JL: You can never really tell where a fight is going to end up but yeah I think he will want to stand and trade with me. In his last fight with Jamie Jara, he took him down pretty handily so you never know. I plan on standing in the pocket as much as possible, using my footwork and moving my feet. I’ve watched some of his footwork and I think I can outwork him on the feet by moving around a bit and keep him at bay with my punches. Sometimes I get caught up in the moment and end up brawling. It happens all the time…you get caught up in an exchange. It gets fun when you start banging each other out. We will see who’s standing when the dust settles.
Full Interview
Lopez vs Spiritwolf is going to be a sick fight! Don't miss it. Going to be streaming live on Sherdog.