Welcome to the live blog for the highly anticipated featherweight clash between Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes, the featured fight on the pay-per-view main card of UFC 306 this Saturday in Las Vegas.
This matchup was originally scheduled for UFC 303 back in June, but a series of unfortunate events led to Ortega withdrawing just hours before the fight. In an unprecedented twist, Dan Ige stepped in on short notice to replace Ortega, saving the bout. Lopes went on to win a decision over Ige, but what stood out even more was his willingness to fight anyone at any time, earning the respect of fans and UFC brass alike. The organization wasted no time in rebooking the fight for UFC 306.
Check out the live updates for this exciting featherweight matchup below.
Prefight:
Before this fight, the UFC unveils the full lineup for UFC 307, with Jose Aldo featured on the prelims, an unexpected but exciting addition.
The anticipation is building for this featherweight battle that was postponed earlier this year. The arena lights dim as The Sphere showcases a mesmerizing Independence Day bell celebration—what a sight.
Diego Lopes makes his way to the Octagon, and the crowd erupts in cheers. He’s quickly become a fan favorite, and it’s easy to see why.
Brian Ortega enters next, drawing just as much excitement. Known for his grit and high-level grappling, he’s ready to deliver a strong performance tonight.
Round 1:
The fight begins with a touch of gloves.
Lopes wastes no time, landing a massive right-left hook combo that staggers Ortega early, putting him on the defensive. Lopes swarms with ground-and-pound, but Ortega, always resilient, searches for grips to initiate a submission. In a quick scramble, Lopes takes half-mount and briefly gets Ortega’s back, but Ortega fights his way out, using up-kicks to keep Lopes at bay. Lopes steps back, allowing Ortega to rise.
Ortega, showing composure, works his jab, landing an uppercut. Lopes seems to slow down after the early barrage but still manages to connect with a shovel hook. An overhand right and a calf kick from Lopes land cleanly, but Ortega fires back with his own strikes. As the round nears its end, Lopes connects with a body hook followed by a left hook, while Ortega lands a solid body kick in response.
The horn sounds. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 for Lopes.
Round 2:
Lopes kicks off the second round with another hard calf kick, following it up with a sharp two-punch combo. Ortega looks to close the distance but is caught by a clean right hook. Lopes’ right hand seems to magnetically find Ortega’s face. Ortega shoots for a single-leg takedown but Lopes defends well, landing uppercuts in the process.
Lopes throws a jumping left hook that misses but quickly lands a big right hand. A head kick from Lopes is caught briefly by Ortega, but Lopes’ speed is proving to be a challenge. A calf kick drops Ortega to the canvas—those leg kicks are accumulating fast.
Lopes continues chopping at Ortega’s lead leg while Ortega tries to find his rhythm. As the round comes to an end, Lopes seems to be having some discomfort with his throat, briefly touching it, but the action continues without pause.
The horn sounds. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 for Lopes.
Round 3:
Ortega opens the final round by focusing on his jab, but the damage to his leg is evident as he absorbs another hard kick. Lopes lands a left hook and Ortega returns with a double jab. Despite the swelling on Ortega’s leg, he keeps pushing forward, though Lopes is still landing sharp strikes, including a double hook combo.
Ortega’s jab is finally starting to find its mark, but Lopes’ relentless leg kicks continue to cause problems. Ortega shoots for another takedown, but Lopes stuffs it against the cage. The two exchange right hands, and Lopes lands a powerful one-two combo that seems to hurt Ortega. Lopes secures standing back control but can’t maintain it as Ortega escapes.
As the final seconds tick away, Lopes lands a clean left hook that knocks Ortega down, immediately going for a rear-naked choke. Ortega scrambles and survives as the round ends in a wild exchange.
The horn sounds. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-8 for Lopes, with an overall score of 30-26 for Lopes.
Official Decision:
The judges score it 30-26, 30-27, and 30-27, awarding Diego Lopes the unanimous decision victory.
Post-fight:
Lopes has shown incredible improvement in a short time, and fans are eager to see what’s next for the rising star. In his post-fight interview, Lopes doesn't call out any specific opponent but expresses his readiness to face whoever the UFC offers—potentially even a title shot.
Post a Comment