Brian Ortega helped create history at UFC 303 … by not fighting.
International Fight Week 2024 was a memorable one for arguably all the wrong reasons. Seemingly cursed from the start of June, the original headliner between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler fell through and had a domino effect throughout the rest of the card’s line up.
The fight removal led to not just a new main event, but a new co-main event and a supporting Light Heavyweight clash below it on the main card. Originally planned for the makeshift co-main fix was Ortega’s pairing against rising Featherweight contender, Diego Lopes. Things went from bad to worse after Ortega couldn’t make the 145-pound limit, bumping the bout to 155 pounds. On fight day, he fell ill and was forced out of the clash, leading to the unprecedented replacement of Dan Ige on four hours’ notice.
Ortega spoke on the saga of what happened on Instagram today (Weds., July 3, 2024).
I’m feeling much better, thank you for all the love. Come fight week I felt off and I didn’t feel right, I thought it was just the residual effects from the cut. I was 178 lb when I accepted this fight on 15 days notice. Thursday night after 7 straight hours, I could not break 151 lb. Later, I would fight out that I was battling a fever and I could not break into the final 5 lbs as my body started to shut down. Rather than risking huge health consequences and possibly calling the fight off, thankfully we were able to move the weight to 155. At weigh ins, I still felt off but I was sure it would go away after I rehydrated and ate. Later on that night I still felt off and was suffering from cold sweats and no sleep. Finally, I fell asleep at 6 am Saturday morning and woke up at 1 pm hoping to feel better. I could not keep any food or water down nor could I stand up to use the restroom.
I struggled with my own ego, got on a call with Tiki (Ghosn) and Hunter (Campbell), and I made the decision to call off the fight. I dared to do something crazy for the love of fighting, but I got sick and my body gave out on me. I want to give the fans and my opponents my best performance every time I step into the cage. Diego Lopes I can only imagine what went off on your side, you have nothing but my respect and I’ll talk to Hunter and Tiki and make this right by you. To the UFC, Dana, Hunter, and the fans, thank you for having my back.
Ortega, 33, last fought when he earned redemption against Yair Rodriguez in their rematch by third round arm triangle at UFC Mexico City in February 2024 (watch highlights). After the UFC 303 happenings, perhaps we’ll see the two-time Featherweight title challenger make the move to Lightweight sooner than expected.
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