Brian Ortega and Diego Lopez at the UFC 306 weigh-in. Photo by Gabriel Gonzalez/Cageside Press
Brian Ortega and Diego Lopez faced off in a highly anticipated lightweight bout at UFC 306 on Saturday at The Sphere.
The matchup was originally scheduled for UFC 303 in June, but Ortega was famously forced to withdraw from the bout 11 hours before the start of the bout and was replaced by Dan Ige just hours before the fight began.
Dana White promised both Lopez and Ige an appearance on the Sphere card, but ultimately only Lopez was included.
Lopez rocked and slammed Ortega hard in the first 30 seconds. Lopez began throwing punches through Ortega’s guard, leaving a nasty cut over his eye. Ortega recovered well and began landing strikes, but Lopez was landing the cleaner punches.
Lopez caught Ortega again early in the second round, briefly stunning him. They traded blows but no concussion occurred. Ortega showed clear progress with his striking in the second round, blocking Lopez’s leg kicks very well and landing jabs. According to social media, the score was tied going into the third round.
Lopez and Ortega traded heavy punches in the pocket for the first two minutes of the final round. Ortega’s jab was on fire throughout the bout. Lopez stumbled Ortega down with 30 seconds left, got behind and dodged, then continued his attack until the final bell rang. Lopez could be the next title winner.
Will he beat Max Holloway or Ilia Topuria?
A concern for some fans is Lopez’s cardiovascular fitness. He seems to slow down after the rounds, but that’s because he usually gets off to a fast start and goes for the finish. Will the iron-chinned Diego Lopez be more patient against a fighter like Max Holloway?
Official result: Diego Lopez defeats Brian Ortega by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
