Streaking UFC featherweight contender, Diego Lopes, is stepping in on short notice to fight number three ranked contender, Brian Ortega, in the UFC 303 co-main event on June 29.
The UFC 303 saga finally culminated this past Thursday, as UFC CEO Dana White took to social media to announce Conor McGregor is officially out of his comeback fight against Michael Chandler, with Alex Pereira defending his 205lb title in a rematch against Jiri Prochazka in the replacement main event.
As well as that, White announced that Jamahal Hill is out of his scheduled co-main event against Carlos Ulberg, leaving the promotion needing a new co-main event.
Fortunately, emerging star, Diego Lopes, accepted the challenge on just two weeks’ notice, as he will take on Brian Ortega in the new co-main event.
Diego Lopes is hopeful of earning a title shot with a big win
Despite only having made his UFC debut last May, the Brazilian showcased huge potential after putting on an extremely close fight against the avoided, Movsar Evloev.
Although the 29-year-old lost a unanimous decision, he went on to pick up three impressive first-round victories, with the latest coming against Sodiq Yusuff at UFC 300.
Ahead of the biggest fight of his career thus far, the number 14 ranked 145lber has labeled the fight as a ‘golden opportunity’.
“I know people will complain because I’m the 14th-ranked (featherweight), I know the UFC offered the fight to other fighters who are in the rankings and don’t have a fight, I know they didn’t take it so they called me,” Lopes told ESPN Deportes.
“Ortega has been in the UFC for years, his losses came against champions so I see this as a golden opportunity in my hands,” Lopes added.
Aljamain Sterling had previously called for a fight against Ortega, however, it is unknown whether the former bantamweight champion was offered the short-notice fight.
Lopes is hopeful that a win over the former title challenger will grant him a featherweight title shot.
“I think the chances are really big (that I get a title shot with a win). Imagine if I defeat Ortega and see how the rankings change, I’ll be really high in the rankings, without a doubt I’ll be in the conversation to be next in line.
“If I win in a solid way like I finished the last ones, I believe there’s no doubt that I will deserve a title shot,” the Brazilian claimed.
UFC 303 bout order confirmed after massive shake-up
The bout order for UFC 303 has been confirmed by White following the massive shake-up to the card this past Thursday.
Ian Machado Garry was hopeful of getting his welterweight clash against Michael ‘Venom’ Page changed to a five-round co-main event, however, their fight comes just two fights into the main card.
Ahead of the welterweight clash is a women’s bantamweight title contender fight, between Mayra Bueno Silva and Macy Chiasson. With a win over the former title challenger, Chiasson will likely secure a title shot.
Stepping in to fight Carlos Ulberg on short notice, is Anthony Smith. Following his win at UFC 301 this past May, ‘Lionheart’ is hopeful of picking up back-to-back wins for the first time since 2021, putting an end to ‘Black Jag’s’ six-fight win streak.