Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes faced off in a highly anticipated lightweight fight at UFC 306 at The Sphere on Saturday.
The pairing had originally been set for UFC 303 back in June, only for Ortega to be forced out of the bout at the 11th hour and famously replaced by Dan Ige just hours before the fight transpired.
Dana White went on to promise both Lopes and Ige spots on The Sphere card, though ultimately only Lopes would get to take part.
Lopes rocked Ortega badly in the first 30 seconds and slammed him down. Lopes began dropping shots through Ortega’s guard, opening a bad gash on his eye. Ortega recovered well and began to find his strikes, but Lopes was landing much cleaner.
Lopes caught Ortega again early in the second round, briefly stunning him. Both fighters were trading shots, but nothing concussive. Ortega was showing clear improvements in his striking in the second round, he did a very good job of checking Lopes’ leg kicks and landing his jab. Tied going into the third round, according to social media.
Lopes and Ortega were trading big shots in the pocket in the first two minutes of the final round. Ortega’s jab was on fire throughout this fight. Lopes wobbled and dropped Ortega with 30 seconds left, took his back, slipped off, and threw it down until the final bell. Lopes could be next for the title.
Does he beat Max Holloway or Ilia Topuria?
The concern for some fans would be Lopes’ cardio. He seems to slow down after a round, most times because he has a big start and chases the finish. Against the likes of Max Holloway, with that iron chin of his, might we see a more patient Diego Lopes?
Official Result: Diego Lopes def. Brian Ortega by Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
