Highlights! Diego Lopes kicks off UFC Freedom 250 with wild comeback knockout over gritty Steve Garcia

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WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 14: Steve Garcia of the United States lands a punch on Diego Lopes of Brazil during UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

What a way to start the show!

Former two-time Featherweight title challenger Diego Lopes pulled off an impressive comeback finish earlier tonight (Sun., June 14, 2026) at UFC Freedom 250, knocking out surging contender Steve Garcia live on Paramount+ on the South Lawn in Washington, D.C., as UFC celebrated America’s 250th anniversary.

Lopes started incredibly slow, and Garcia made him pay for it. The Jackson-Wink fighter dominated much of the first round, using his length to tag Lopes with uppercuts and power punches while forcing the Brazilian to fight on the back foot.

Lopes did have a few moments and caught Garcia coming in a couple of times, but the opening frame clearly belonged to “Mean Machine.”

Then everything changed in round two.

Lopes’ corner must have gotten in his ear between rounds and told him to finally let his hands fly because that is exactly what he did. Garcia got dragged into a firefight, and Lopes made him pay with a nasty counter left hook that dropped him. From there, Lopes pounced with follow-up shots until the referee had seen enough and jumped in to stop the fight.

Check out the finish below:

THE BOYS ARE GOING FOR IT@DiegoLopesMMA vs Steve Garcia

[ UFC Freedom 250 Presented by @Cryptocom & @RamTrucks ] pic.twitter.com/emA05FczMe

— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026

OH MY DIEGO LOPES JUST KNOCKED OUT STEVE GARCIA TO KICK OFF #UFCWhiteHouse

[ LIVE NOW ON @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/FpCM32D3GO

— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) June 15, 2026

Lopes (28-8) got himself back into the win column after unsuccessfully challenging for the UFC Featherweight title for a second time, and he should hold on to his No. 2 rankingwith the huge comeback win.

As for Garcia (19-6), his impressive seven-fight win streak was snapped. During that run, he scored six knockouts and picked up the biggest win of his career over a divisional staple.

But tonight belonged to Lopes, who survived a rough start and delivered a violent reminder that he is still one of the most dangerous Featherweights on the planet.

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For complete UFC Freedom 250 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.

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