Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes: A Comprehensive UFC 306 Fight Preview

Fight Preview: Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Featherweight scrappers Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes will go to war this weekend (Sat., Sept. 14, 2024) at UFC 306 from inside The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Both Ortega and Lopes did UFC a huge favor by stepping up on short-notice to save UFC 303 after Conor McGregor broke his pinky toe and was forced to withdraw from the main event. Unfortunately, Ortega is a huge Featherweight, and the attempts to make 145 pounds on short notice made him ill and ended up canceling the fight entirely.

Lopes stuck around heroically to fight Dan Ige on a few hours’ notice, lining up the duo for this rescheduled matchup on one of the biggest cards of the year. Lopes aims to break into the title mix, while Ortega is looking to argue he’s ready for his second UFC title shot.

Fighter Profiles

• Brian Ortega: Known for his opportunistic fighting style and a killer instinct for finishes, Ortega brings a dangerous skill set that few can match.
• Diego Lopes: A dynamic offensive fighter with a mix of toughness and athleticism, Lopes is keen to display his knockout power.

Key Predictions

If Ortega can survive the early onslaught, he may replicate the success of other fighters by dragging Lopes to the floor late. Lopes's victory depends on managing his energy levels and choosing his engagements wisely throughout the bout.

The big question: can Lopes finish Ortega in the first round? If not, what will the latter rounds reveal? Expect a dramatic showdown!