Let’s try this again, shall we?
Top UFC Featherweights Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes were scheduled to face off at this year’s International Fight Week but Ortega withdrew from UFC 303 at the last second due to sickness, living to fight Lopes another day. That day is here as the sun sets on Noche UFC from the Sphere.
Embodying the Mexican fighting spirit are Californian Chicano Brian Ortega and Brazil’s Diego Lopes, who trains out of Mexico. Ortega defeated Yair Rodriguez in his return to the Octagon in February, coming back from the jaws of defeat to submitting the former interim champion in Mexico City.
Ortega will look to make it two wins in a row as he inches closer to another title shot, his third if he keeps winning.
Lopes fights his second top-5 contender since entering the UFC May of last year, that time against Movsar Evloev and tonight “T-City” Ortega. The 29 year-old Lopes fought Dan Ige to a decision at UFC 303 on just a few hours notice.
Round 1:
Ortega works his boxing. Lopes throws a few kicks before rocking Ortega with a brutal right hand followed by a left that land flush. Ortega stays on his feet somehow, getting swarmed by Lopes with more punches, who smells blood in the water and a whole lot of it, taking Ortega down. Lopes rains down punches from the top position and from his feet. Lopes separates, only to seize control of Ortega on the ground. Upkick lands for the grounded Ortega. Ortega gets back up to his feet.
Ortega gets his offense going. Jab lands for Ortega. Right hand gets through for Lopes. Lopes clubs Ortega with a left hand. Ortega works behind the jab. Body kick lands for Ortega.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Lopes
Round 2:
Lopes continues to find the chin of Ortega with his strikes. Lopes tagged by a left hand. Ortega attempts a takedown but it’s defended by Lopes. Leg kick lands for Ortega. Left hand gets through for Ortega. Lopes throws a headkick. Ortega is sent down to the canvas after losing his balance from one of Lopes’ kicks. Ortega works the jab. Another punch lands for Ortega.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Lopes
Round 3:
The featherweights quickly shake hands. Left hand lands for Lopes, followed up by a leg kick. Ortega lands a leg kick of his own. Ortega and Lopes exchange strikes upstairs. Lopes leaves himself exposed to Ortega’s jab. Jabs pile up for Ortega. Leg kick for Lopes. Ortega gets tagged by Lopes’ punches. Lopes clinches with Ortega close to the cage, they break. Winging left hook thrown by Lopes. Lopes stuns Ortega with a left hand that sends him packing backwards down to the ground. Lopes is on the prowl, landing ground and pound before spending the remaining second of the fight on the feet, trading shots in the pocket with Ortega.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Lopes
Official result: Diego Lopes defeats Brian Ortega via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Check out the highlights below:
DIEGO LOPES JUST DROPPED BRIAN ORTEGA 😱
[ #UFC306 at @RiyadhSeason #NocheUFC live RIGHT NOW on @ESPNPlus PPV ] pic.twitter.com/0N8tHWW2VH
— UFC (@ufc) September 15, 2024
FIVE IN A ROW 😤@DiegoLopesMMA secures the UD at #UFC306
[ @RiyadhSeason #NocheUFC LIVE on @ESPNPlus PPV ] pic.twitter.com/EhHGXNMgx2
— UFC (@ufc) September 15, 2024
Y así fue! Impresionante combate @Diegolopesmma 🇧🇷🇲🇽 #NocheUFC
[ #UFC306 @RiyadhSeason ] pic.twitter.com/eGDpTWB4i9
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) September 15, 2024
