Brian Ortega — a seasoned fighter with a storied past — found himself in an unexpected position tonight (Sat., Sept. 14, 2024) when locked horns with red-hot Featherweight prospect, Diego Lopes, at UFC 306 from inside The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Having narrowly missed UFC’s Featherweight title, Ortega was viewed as a stepping stone for Lopes, a rising star who earned a big step up against “T-City” under unusual circumstances. Indeed, when Conor McGregor’s broken pinky toe triggered his removal from UFC 303 (seriously), Ortega and Lopes stepped up to save the event.
However, Ortega couldn’t cut the weight in time, leading to the fight’s postponement … until now.
Now, here they were — the stage was set for a clash of generations. Ortega, the veteran warrior, was fighting to preserve his legacy. Lopes, the hungry up-and-comer, is fighting for a brighter future.
The stakes were high, and in the end, something had to give. And when the chaotic dust finally settled, it was youth over experience, with Lopes securing a very impressive unanimous decision win over a proven veteran.
Lopes got off to an incredible start, drilling Ortega with a beautiful combination that stunned “T-City.” He eventually landed on the ground along the cage as he retreated. Lopes took a deep breath, not looking to get too excited too fast. However, he played a dangerous game with Ortega on the ground for about a minute or so, allowing him to recover and play footsie off his back. Eventually, Lopes made the smart decision and let him return to his feet, blood dripping from his left eye. Ortega, though, actually seemed to get the better of the exchanges early, with Lopes ducking under a left cross and landing a solid counter combination as the opening frame came to a close.
Lopes landed a similar slick combination to start the second stanza, but Ortega wore it well this time, landing a nice right hook moments later. Ortega attempted a takedown about 90 seconds in, but Lopes pulled his foot out easily and drilled him with several hard shots. Nice straight left hand from Ortega, who ate a head kick moments later. Overhand right from Lopes, then swept Ortega off his feet with a hard leg kick — a strategy he went back to often. Another hard kick from Lopes, who touched his Adam’s apple often after each strike, perhaps signaling something was wrong.
Between rounds, Ortega’s corner informed him that he needed a finish if he wanted to win — a familiar spot for the Mexican fighter, who has a history of epic come-from-behind finishes. The third round was more evenly matched, going back-and-forth with Ortega leading the dance. Lopes was a more-than-willing dance partner, firing back in the center of the Octagon. Lopes ultimately appeared to get the better of the exchanges down the stretch, putting together a very excellent display of skill, toughness and intelligence despite what Joe Rogan — a biased Ortega mark — wanted to say on the broadcast. Lopes went on to knockdown Ortega one more time en route to a fantastic — and important — unanimous decision win.
Final result: Lopes def. Ortega via unanimous decision
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