The featherweight bout between Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes, scheduled for the UFC 303 pay-per-view (PPV) co-main event on June 29 in Las Vegas, has been moved to lightweight after “T-City” failed to make the 145-pound mark.
Brian Ortega is getting his move to lightweight started a few months early.
Unfortunately, featherweight opponent Diego Lopes did not find out until late last night. In addition, handlers for “T-City” informed the promotion that Ortega would need to abandon his cut to 145 pounds and begin rehydrating — or be forced to withdraw from UFC 303.
That’s according to Ariel Helwani.
Lopes accepted the reworked fight and will be compensated for the change in weight classes, according to the report. Both fighters weighed in today at 155 pounds during the UFC 303 early weigh ins (get full results and video here) and will face off at the ceremonial festivities later tonight.
Another “cursed” card?
MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 303 fight card right RIGHT HERE, starting with the early ESPN/ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining undercard balance on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the UFC 303 PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 303: “Pereira vs. Prochazka 2” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. For the updated and finalized UFC 303 fight card and PPV lineup click here.