Tag: Diego Lopes

Eric Nicksick Admits Last-Minute Technique Advice To Dan Ige May Have Cost Him UFC 303 Fight Against Diego Lopes: ‘My Heart Hurt…’

For his short-notice co-main event fight with Diego Lopes at UFC 303, Eric Nicksick was in Dan Ige’s corner. By coaching two former UFC champs, Francis Ngannou and Sean Strickland, Nicksick has gained a ton of acclaim in MMA circles. At UFC 303, the coach had an unprecedented challenge as Ige only had four hours […]

Continue Reading Eric Nicksick Admits Last-Minute Technique Advice To Dan Ige May Have Cost Him UFC 303 Fight Against Diego Lopes: ‘My Heart Hurt…’ at MMA News.

For his short-notice co-main event fight with Diego Lopes at UFC 303, Eric Nicksick was in Dan Ige’s corner. By coaching two former UFC champs, Francis Ngannou and Sean Strickland, Nicksick has gained a ton of acclaim in MMA circles.

At UFC 303, the coach had an unprecedented challenge as Ige only had four hours to weigh in, rehydrate, and, well, also figure out his in-fight strategy. Their goal was to fight on instincts which, to be fair, worked pretty well.

Showing his durability, “50k” survived Lopes’ explosive striking and constricting ground game in the first two rounds and outstruck the Brazilian in the third. A last-minute adjustment suggested by coach Nicksick worked against him, though, and may have cost him the UFC 303 co-main event.

Eric Nicksick Looks Back At Mistake That Likely Cost Dan Ige A Round Against Diego Lopes At UFC 303

Nicksick and Ige appeared on the UFC 303 recap episode of the Anik & Florian Podcast uploaded on the DraftKings YouTube channel. Remembering the fight, Nicksick admitted that he shouldn’t have asked Ige to throw a head kick.

“To be honest with you, I’ve been having a little bit of sleepless nights because I f****d up going into round. In round two, I called for the same side head kick. Something that I thought, because no one’s ever seen Dan throw it.”

Nicksick expected the side head kick to surprise Lopes as Ige had only recently added the move to his arsenal. “50k” followed these instructions two minutes into the second round. The kick landed but also helped Lopes secure a takedown.

“It was the same side high when Dan went southpaw. And he threw it, and the shin bone landed on this dude’s head but we got taken down. And I looked over at Kai and I’m like, I just f****d us. Dude, my gut, I was like, I just f****d this man, my heart hurt.”

Despite the takedown and three minutes of control time, Ige constantly fought off his back and prevented his opponent from submitting him.

Unfortunately, due to the takedown, the round was scored by the judges for Lopes. And despite comfortably winning the third round, Ige lost a unanimous decision 29-28 on all scorecards.

Continue Reading Eric Nicksick Admits Last-Minute Technique Advice To Dan Ige May Have Cost Him UFC 303 Fight Against Diego Lopes: ‘My Heart Hurt…’ at MMA News.

Brian Ortega Makes First Public Statement On UFC 303 Fight Day Cancellation: ‘I Dared To Do Something Crazy…’ 

Two-time UFC featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega has broken his silence on the same-day fight cancellation that saw him not compete at T-Mobile Arena this past weekend. After a successful comeback from injury in Mexico this past February, where he avenged his 2022 setback to Yair Rodríguez by way of submission, Ortega began preparing for […]

Continue Reading Brian Ortega Makes First Public Statement On UFC 303 Fight Day Cancellation: ‘I Dared To Do Something Crazy…’  at MMA News.

Two-time UFC featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega has broken his silence on the same-day fight cancellation that saw him not compete at T-Mobile Arena this past weekend.

After a successful comeback from injury in Mexico this past February, where he avenged his 2022 setback to Yair Rodríguez by way of submission, Ortega began preparing for a divisional switch.

With opportunities limited at featherweight, “T-City” set his sights on the lightweight shark tank. But when last Saturday’s UFC 303 pay-per-view fell into crisis, Ortega agreed to be one of those saving the day, accepting an extremely late-notice co-main event against Diego Lopes.

Despite Ortega’s prep for the 155-pound weight class, the bout was set for featherweight. But that changed on weigh-in day when it was revealed that the longtime contender couldn’t get lower than 151 pounds.

While that left Lopes weighing in at lightweight having already cut down to the originally planned weight, the Mexico-based Brazilian was on the scales again just hours before making the walk after Ortega was forced to withdraw through injury and replaced by Dan Ige.

Now close to a week on, “T-City” has spoken out and addressed the difficult circumstances that led to his late pullout…

Ortega Accepted Fight 32 Pounds Above The Limit, Vows To ‘Make This Right’ By Lopes

In a lengthy statement posted on Instagram, Ortega admitted he “felt off” throughout fight week — something UFC CEO Dana White noted during his appearance at the press conference post-event on Saturday night.

The featherweight veteran also revealed that he agreed to the short-notice assignment 32 pounds over the featherweight limit, leaving many questioning why he and his team accepted a 145-pound clash.

“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,” Ortega wrote. “Thursday night after 7 straight hours, I could not break 151 lb. Later, I would find 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,” Ortega continued. “I struggled with my own ego, got on a call with Tiki and Hunter, 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.”

Ortega concluded by also making note of the tumultuous two-day period that Lopes went through, culminating in the rising featherweight facing and defeating Ige on just a few hours’ notice.

“T-City” vowed to “make things right” by the Mexico-based Brazilian.

“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,” Ortega stated. “To the UFC, Dana, Hunter, and the fans, thank you for having my back.”

It remains to be seen how Ortega will do that, but perhaps accepting a rescheduled showdown with the 29-year-old at the Sphere-held Noche UFC event on September 14 could be a start.

Continue Reading Brian Ortega Makes First Public Statement On UFC 303 Fight Day Cancellation: ‘I Dared To Do Something Crazy…’  at MMA News.

’10-7 Diego Lopes’ – Fans React After Lopes & Movsar Evloev Trade Barbs Over UFC 303 Fight On X

UFC featherweight contenders Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev recently exchanged heated words on X, much to the MMA community’s amusement, adding fuel to the already unclear matchmaking situation in the division. Lopes navigated a tumultuous lead-up to his short-notice fight at UFC 303 last Saturday. Despite the chaos, the highly regarded featherweight contender extended his […]

Continue Reading ’10-7 Diego Lopes’ – Fans React After Lopes & Movsar Evloev Trade Barbs Over UFC 303 Fight On X at MMA News.

UFC featherweight contenders Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev recently exchanged heated words on X, much to the MMA community’s amusement, adding fuel to the already unclear matchmaking situation in the division.

Lopes navigated a tumultuous lead-up to his short-notice fight at UFC 303 last Saturday. Despite the chaos, the highly regarded featherweight contender extended his winning streak, triumphing over Dan Ige, who accepted the bout just a few hours before the showdown.

With Brian Ortega unable to compete, Lopes chose to remain on the card and face Ige, who resides near the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and heroically stepped up when the UFC needed him most.

Lopes had his fair share of success with both striking and grappling throughout the first two rounds of their fight. However, Ige mounted a fierce comeback in the final round, pushing the Brazilian to his limits. Despite this, Lopes secured the victory, with all three judges unanimously scoring the bout 29-28 in his favor.

Following Lopes’ triumph, Evloev took to X to propose a rematch against his former opponent at Noche UFC (UFC 306), slated for September 14 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. The undefeated Russian’s challenge came out of apparent frustration with Aljamain Sterling’s reluctance to schedule a fight.

“Hey, @Diegolopesmma, I wanna give you a rematch at the Sphere because @funkmasterMMA is running for his life, and this time, I’m gonna finish you.”

Lopes swiftly fired back at Evloev, accusing him of ignoring his previous callout for a rematch.

“Have you finally realized that the way the UFC pays attention to you is by mentioning my name? Or are you afraid that tomorrow morning I’ll be in your place in the rankings? It took you 3 months to get back to me. Sit back and watch the big guys do the work.”

Lopes’ Apparent Rejection of Evloev’s Offer Sparks Fan Reactions

The two fighters first clashed at UFC 288 in May 2023, where Lopes made his promotional debut on less than a week’s notice. Although he was a fresh face up against a top-ranked opponent, Lopes delivered an impressive performance, narrowly losing a decision in a bout that earned Fight of the Night honors.

Following their initial bout, Lopes has been nearly unstoppable in the UFC, amassing a four-fight win streak. In contrast, Evloev has only competed once, securing a unanimous decision victory over Arnold Allen in January.

Only time will tell if this duo gets the chance to settle their score. However, Lopes has already laid down the gauntlet, expressing his desire to either fight with Ortega or challenge former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at the UFC’s highly anticipated event in September.

Continue Reading ’10-7 Diego Lopes’ – Fans React After Lopes & Movsar Evloev Trade Barbs Over UFC 303 Fight On X at MMA News.

Diego Lopes lands decision win over Dan Ige in shocking 4 hour notice fight – UFC 303 Highlights

Diego Lopes lands decision win over Dan Ige in stunning 4 hour notice fight UFC 303 HighlightsRemaining on tonight’s UFC 303 card in a co-headlining setting following the cancellation of his fight with former title…

Diego Lopes lands decision win over Dan Ige in stunning 4 hour notice fight UFC 303 Highlights

Remaining on tonight’s UFC 303 card in a co-headlining setting following the cancellation of his fight with former title challenger, Brian Ortega — Brazilian favorite, Diego Lopes keeps his winning run in tact with a decision win over Dan Ige — who has been heralded for accepting a stunning fight on just 4 hours notice tonight.

Lopes, who made a catchweight walk at 165lbs tonight at the shortest of short-notice replacements tonight in the form of his fight with Ige, remained on the card after initially scheduled foe, Ortega was forced from the pairing after he was struck down with an illness.

ige lopes

Replacing the former title challenger on just four hours notice, Ige — who was preparing for his own return in just weeks time, elected to accept an offer to take on Diego Lopes on the shortest of notice, weighing in backstage below a 165lbs catchweight — with the Nevada State Athletic Commission sanctioning the short-notice pairing.

lopes ige 3

And sharing the Octagon tonight at UFC 303, Lopes managed to turn in two impressive rounds against the slick striker, Ige — before appearing to slow down his usual aggressive pace in the third and final frame, before riding out for a decision win.

diego Lopes 3

Below, catch the highlights from Diego Lopes’ stunning short-notice fight with Dan Ige at UFC 303

Arman Tsarukyan’s fight purse withheld by NSAC after fan incident at UFC 300, faces disciplinary action

Over $30,000 of Arman Tsarukyan's fight purse withheld by NSAC following viral fan incident at UFC 300Arman Tsarukyan is facing disciplinary action following an altercation with a fan at UFC 300. As ‘Ahalkalakets’ made his…

Over $30,000 of Arman Tsarukyan's fight purse withheld by NSAC following viral fan incident at UFC 300

Arman Tsarukyan is facing disciplinary action following an altercation with a fan at UFC 300.

As ‘Ahalkalakets’ made his way to the Octagon for his main card clash with former lightweight world champion Charles Oliveira at the landmark event in Las Vegas, Tsarukyan engaged in a brief scuffle with a fan in the crowd. Video of the incident quickly made its way online, showing the 155-pound contender throwing a punch at someone seated near the entryway.

“He showed me ‘F*ck you’ and he wanted to punch me and I wanted to punch him back,” Tsarukyan explained at the post-fight press conference. “That’s it. So guys, no one show me ‘F*ck you.’ It doesn’t matter who you are, I’m going to punch you in the face.”

Unfortunately, it looks like Tsarukyan’s physical retaliation is going to cost him.

Per a report from Damon Martin of MMA Fighting, Tsarukyan’s fight purse was $158,000, of which 20% — or $31,600 — is being withheld by the Nevada State Athletic Commission until a full disciplinary hearing can be held in May. In addition to a potential fine, ‘Ahalkalakets’ could also face suspension by the NSAC.

Arman Tsarukyan

The commission did note that the fan involved in the incident opted not to press charges and has also made it clear that he has no intention of suing the UFC.

Arman Tsarukyan

Arman Tsarukyan isn’t the only fighter facing disciplinary action following UFC 300

Before Arman Tsarukyan’s viral incident, Diego Lopes delivered a highlight-reel knockout on the night, dispatching Sodiq Yusuff in the opening round of their preliminary bout.

Lopes walked away with $100,000, but $5,000 of that is now being withheld by the NSAC after Lopes hopped over the Octagon wall to greet UFC CEO Dana White — something he was specifically advised not to do.

Diego Lopes

The NSAC commissioner claims that White permitted Lopes to exit the cage and that the UFC CEO allegedly said, “I will pay his fine.”

The commission will review video evidence of each incident, specifically the incident with Tsarukyan, before levying a decision on both matters.

Diego Lopes

Diego Lopes steamrolls past Sodiq Yusuff with flattening knockout win – UFC 300 Highlights

Diego Lopes steamrolls past Sodiq Yusuff with blistering first round knockout UFC 300 HighlightsSurging Brazilian contender, Diego Lopes continues his roughshod run through featherweight contenders tonight on the late preliminary card of…

Diego Lopes steamrolls past Sodiq Yusuff with blistering first round knockout UFC 300 Highlights

Surging Brazilian contender, Diego Lopes continues his roughshod run through featherweight contenders tonight on the late preliminary card of UFC 300 — blowing through Nigerian contender, Sodiq Yusuff for a blistering opening round knockout.

Diego Lopes UFC 300
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Lopes, an alum of Dana White’s Contender Series — rebounded from a close decision loss to the highly-touted, Movsar Evloev in his short-notice Octagon debut, racking up an armbar submission win over Gavin Tucker, before turning in a KO win over Pat Sabatini.

Diego Lopes UFC 300 Zuffa LLC
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

And getting the well-travelled, Yusuff out of there within a minute and a half of the first round in their featherweight scrap at UFC 300, finishing sensation, Lopes dropped the former with a tight uppercut in the clinch, before Yusuff managed to gather his senses.

lopes ufc 300
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

However, it would prove only momentarily for Yusuff, who was sent to the canvas once more by Lopes with another sharp uppercut in the clinch, before he forced the issue with a slew of ground strikes for a first round knockout win.

Below, catch the highlights from Diego Lopes’ victory against Sodiq Yusuff at UFC 300