Diego Lopes left Las Vegas last weekend with a healthy paycheque despite not competing at UFC 329.That’s because Lopes weighed in as the back-up fighter for Conor McGregor‘s main event with Max Holloway, and obviously wasn’t needed.Lopes was also the back-up fighter for Ilia Topuria’s main event with Justin Gaethje at UFC White HouseGettyIn hindsight, it was a close call, as McGregor injured himself just 69 seconds into his comeback fight in what was an extremely devastating ending to the Irishman’s first fight in five years.And Lopes could’ve been called upon if McGregor had sustained the knee injury any earlier.Lopes: Back-up fighter is easy moneyAsked on the Jaxxon podcast this week if he, alongside fellow ranked UFC fighter Michael Chandler, hit the scales to be on standby if either McGregor or Holloway got injured ahead of their fight, Lopes confirmed that was the case.“You know me, I just like to fight,” the two-time UFC featherweight title challenger said.“155 pounds for me is easy. After I make 145 pounds, I just drink water and jump on the scale. Easy money.”Lopes added that he was also paid by the UFC for his availability as a back-up fighter.Of course, McGregor vs Holloway was contested in the welterweight division, meaning the Brazilian would’ve jumped up two weight classes for the fight.However, the No. 2-ranked featherweight was also the back-up for Justin Gaethje‘s lightweight title victory over Ilia Topuria at UFC White House in June.It wouldn’t have been too difficult for Lopes to come in an extra 15lbs heavier to make the 170lbs weight limit.After all, the 31-year-old has said he stays in fight shape all year round, just in case a sudden opportunity arises, and has all-but confirmed his next fight will be in the lightweight division.McGregor vs Holloway ended in just 69 seconds after the former injured his kneeGettyLopes, who knocked out Steve Garcia in his last fight, was on standby if either man got injured prior to the boutGettyHow much did Lopes make as UFC 329 backup?It’s likely Lopes received a six-figure sum for his role as a back-up fighter at UFC 329.Although former UFC champion Luke Rockhold unsuccessfully pressed Lopes on how much he made, a previous case with current heavyweight king Tom Aspinall shows just how much the promotion pays for a second option in case disaster strikes.Back in November 2024, Aspinall was on standby for Jon Jones‘ heavyweight title fight with Stipe Miocic at UFC 309.When both men had made it to New York’s Madison Square Garden successfully, Aspinall, being the Englishman he is, was keen for a beer to enjoy his time.In an alleged exchange with UFC boss Hunter Campbell, Aspinall then asked if he was allowed to have a drink.Campbell responded, asking Aspinall to wait, adding that he would kick himself if something happened to either Jones or Miocic, given that Aspinall received a whopping $200,000 to be the backup fighter.Lopes — one of the UFC’s biggest stars — has been richly rewarded for being a backup fighter twice in the last monthGettyAs for Lopes, given the magnitude of McGregor vs Holloway, it can be assumed he received a similar figure, so there is no surprise that he is eager to be available at all times.Last time out, Lopes knocked out Steve Garcia in the first fight of the UFC’s White House card, meaning he would’ve been paid twice on the same night, as he was also ready to replace either Topuria or Gaethje in the main event.Lopes’ next fight is expected to take place in the lightweight division, with BMF champion and fellow Brazilian Charles Oliveira rumoured to be his opponent.He could also find himself against someone like Paddy Pimblett, who cemented his name as a lightweight contender by submitting Benoit Saint Denis in just 52 seconds at UFC 329.