Keweny “Leao” Lopes was born in deep poverty in Brazil’s interior and worked many jobs while avoiding drugs and exploitation. He credits meeting people who broadened his horizons and studying to improve his standard of living. By age 20, he moved to Rio de Janeiro to join the Nova Uniao team, later relocating to Zurich and then Frankfurt, where he lives and works. At 30, he faces Adam Meskini in PFL Brussels, aiming to return to winning ways after a TKO loss in his promotional debut and a September 2025 loss that still stings. Lopes is a capoeira expert with a strong KO/TKO record and prepared with eight weeks of planning at Nova Uniao’s academy.
"I've had every kind of job, except for trafficking or selling my body. I've never experimented with my health by taking drugs. I've been a cook, did laundry, was a janitor, a juice vendor, a stone smith, mechanic and factory worker. Thankfully I met some people who broadened my horizons and, through studies, I was able to improve my standard of living. It's necessary to understand logistics and prepare well, so every mission can be accomplished."
"I lived there until 2022. That's when I moved to Zurich, Switzerland, to live with my son's mother. Our marriage didn't work out. Now I live in Frankfurt, Germany. It's where I live and work."
"The 30-year old featherweight faces France's Adam Meskini at PFL Brussels on Saturday. Meskini has never been finished and is looking to extend his winning streak in the PFL to three in a row. Lopes, coming off a TKO loss in his promotional debut, hopes to get back to his old ways, and prove why he deserves his spot in the big leagues. The September 2025 loss to Amin Ayoub still stings."
"Lopes got ready for Meskini at Nova Uniao's academy in Rio, his home away from home. "My training camp was blessed. I had much better planning. I've been dreaming of this moment. I had eight weeks to get ready. I'm very thankful for everything that's been happening in the""
Read at Sherdog
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