Diego Lopes and Brian Ortega finally met, and the fast-rising Brazilian continued his rise to the top of the featherweight division. Lopes won the fight unanimously (30-27×2, 30-26).
There was never really a doubt in this one.
After controlling the first round, Lopes continued dominating the longtime featherweight contender. After nearly getting the finish in the first, Lopes came close again in the third, but Ortega survived.
By the end of the fight, Ortega was badly bloodied, and his left leg was depleted from a consistent attack from Lopes via kicks. The win was a huge one for Lopes, who came into the fight ranked No. 12, and Ortega, who was ranked No. 3.
Lopes will be third when the new rankings are released on September 17. Because of his recent success, Lopes’ next fight could be a shot at the UFC Featherweight Championship.
Diego Lopes’ Last 5 Results Before the Win over Ortega
- Win against Dan Ige by unanimous decision at UFC 303 on June 29, 2024.
- Win against Sodiq Yusuff by KO/TKO (punches) at UFC 300 on April 13, 2024.
- Win against Pat Sabatini by KO/TKO (punches) at UFC 295 on November 11, 2023.
- Win against Gavin Tucker by submission (triangle armbar) at UFC Fight Night on August 5, 2023.
- Loss to Movsar Evloev by unanimous decision at UFC 288 on May 6, 2023.
The win over Ortega was the biggest of his career, and it would make sense for him to be the next challenger. However, things could be complicated at 145 pounds.
Ilia Topuria is set to defend his title against Max Holloway at UFC 308. Longtime champion Alexander Volkanovski never got his rematch against Topuria, and he appears to be waiting in the wings. Does Lopes get a shot at the title before Volkanovski can regain his title?
We’ll see.
Ortega may have had his last fight at featherweight. He has struggled to reach 145 pounds and has faced and lost to all of the top fighters in the division.
Brian Ortega’s Last Results Before Loss to Diego Lopes
- Win against Yair Rodriguez by submission (arm triangle) at UFC Fight Night on February 24, 2024.
- Loss to Yair Rodriguez by TKO (injury) at UFC Fight Night on July 16, 2022.
- Loss to Alexander Volkanovski by unanimous decision at UFC 266 on September 25, 2021.
- Win against Chan Sung Jung unanimously at UFC Fight Night on October 17, 2020.
- Loss to Max Holloway by TKO (doctor stoppage) at UFC 231 on December 8, 2018.
If Ortega is to continue his career, his next fights will likely take place at 155 pounds in the lightweight division. Here is a look at all of the results from Noche UFC.
UFC 306 Main Card Results
- Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili
- Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko
- Diego Lopes defeats Brian Ortega via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
- Esteban Ribovics defeats Daniel Zellhuber via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Ronaldo Rodriguez defeats Ode Osbourne via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)
UFC 306 Preliminary Card Results
- Norma Dumont defeats Irene Aldana via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
- Ignacio Bahamondes defeats Manuel Torres via TKO at 4:02 of Round 1
- Ketlen Souza defeats Yazmin Jauregui via submission at 3:02 of Round 1 (Rear-naked choke)
- Joshua Van defeats Edgar Chairez via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
UFC 306 Early Preliminary Card Results
- Raul Rosas Jr. defeats Aoriqileng via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
