MMA Preview – Brian Ortega vs Diego Lopes at UFC 303
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BRIAN ORTEGA VS DIEGO LOPES FACTS
When is UFC 303? Sunday 30th June, 2024 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 303? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 303? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 303
What channel is UFC 303 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC 303? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
BRIAN ORTEGA VS DIEGO LOPES LOWDOWN
Brian Ortega (16-3(1)) graces the co-main event after the Jamahal Hill vs Khalil Rountree/Carlos Ulberg fight fell through. He pounces on the opportunity to build off his huge comeback win back in February. After getting outpointed and outclassed by Alexander Volkanovski (2021) in his second title attempt, he met Yair Rodriduez (2022) but he could make it out the first round due to dislocating his shoulder. He eventually returned 19 months later for the rematch and was the heavy underdog. He was getting pieced up in the feet once again but rallied to secure an impressive arm-triangle choke in the third round.
Diego Lopes (24-6) struts into the co-main event slot after three savage first-round finishes. They came after his UFC debut which he lost via unanimous decision to Movsar Evloev (2023). Although he lost, he pumped his stock by giving the unbeaten Russian his toughest test on short notice. His stock has only surged since by submitting Gavin Tucker (2023) and knocking out Pat Sabatini (2023) and Sodiq Yusuff (2024) at UFC 300.
BRIAN ORTEGA VS DIEGO LOPES PREDICTION
These two have been thrown together to prop up the main event after Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler fell through, but this is a mouth-watering matchup.
It would be great to see them tangle on the canvas as their jiu-jitsu is off the charts. Particularly Ortega who is one of the best submission wizards on the roster. His striking also continues to improve whereas Lopes’ ferocious striking has been on full display in his last two fights.
Ortega is a perennial top contender and Lopes is not even ranked in the top 10. However, this is a tough fight for him. Lopes is the better striker and we can even see him winning the scrambles.
Lopes has killer instinct and will pounce on any opening so Ortega will need to call upon his championship experience and weather the storm. He will need to drag this out and make it dirty by closing the distance, pinning the Brazilian up against the fence and dragging him down to the deck.
However, Lopes has the grappling to keep the fight where he wants it and that will be on the feet where his speed, power and range advantage will make the difference. Ortega as the underdog is always tempting especially when against someone who is unproven at the top level.
Prediction: Lopes via Decision
Value Bet: Ortega to win
