UFC 212's Matthew Lopez looks forward to Johnny Eduardo, still looks back at Rani Yahya

Bantamweight Matthew Lopez was 8-0 when he met Rani Yahya at UFC Fight Night 91. And when he left the octagon, he was no longer undefeated.

That’s why Lopez (9-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) is moving forward with an eye on the past as he prepares to meet Johnny Eduardo (28-10 MMA, 3-2 UFC) at UFC 212, which takes place Saturday at Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro. The pair meet on the FS1 prelims in advance of the pay-per-view main card.

“Growing up wrestling and being a competitor my whole life, losing is probably the worst thing that could happen to me,” Lopez told MMAjunkie Radio. “Eventually, I will come back full circle and beat Rani. I don’t care if I have the belt. I want that fight.”

It’s not the first time Lopez has promised a second date with Yahya. But first there’s Eduardo to deal with, and that’s no easy task. On Eduardo’s home turf, Lopez will have to manage a long commute, unfamiliar surroundings and hostile fans along with his opponent.

“I’ve noticed with my observation of other Brazilian fighters, if you let them get into a lead and any kind of rhythm or momentum going, it’s going to be a long night for you,” Lopez said. “But once they know they’re in for a dog fight, most of them will wilt and won’t want to be in there for that kind of fight.”

Although that’s a bit of a broad brush to paint with, Lopez now knows from experience what it’s like to lose momentum and fall behind. And while he rebounded from his loss with a decision win over Mitch Gagnon at UFC 206, he is anxious to prove a point with Yahya.

First, though, he’ll try to make an example out of Eduardo.

And for more on UFC 212, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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