UFC 303 is set for another twist, which is the co-main event has been withdrawn, and replaced. Namely, fans were looking forward to a decisive battle with Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes. However, this was not to be because Ortega was forced out of the bout through injury just 12 hours to the fight.
Brian Ortega’s last-minute withdrawal
This retirement of Brian Ortega angered many involved in the MMA matches. Originally scheduled to fight another featherweight, the fighter had problems with weight. Even Ortega’s shift to beg for a lightweight fight prior to the weigh-in did not help to salvage the fight. In an interview with Ariel Helwani, it has been confirmed that Ortega was suffering from a severe cold and thus ,he failed to make it to the fight just three hours before the main card.
Helwani’s report on social media highlighted the urgency of the situation: “They want to make Dan Ige x Diego Lopes tonight at UFC That is not definite It is Ortega is on the brink of retirement The media says he has a sickness The proposed bout will be a catchweight at 165 pounds if it pulls through We were expecting Ige to weigh in tonight As far as I can recall, I have never seen such a development. . . . This last-minute withdrawal proved to be beneficial to UFC 303 which was Outlaws’ last fight as a team.
Assisted by Dan Ige
Surprisingly, Dan Ige stepped in to replace Ortega. The Hawaiian fighter, whose last fight was in February, is there to save the co-main event. Despite the lack of visibility, Ige agreed to fight Lopes, becoming an important weight change due to the change in the opponent
Ige’s willingness to participate was crucial to UFC 303’s survival. The Nevada Athletic Commission had all of Ige’s medical records up to date, which made the transition easy. Ige’s recent fight, a knockout win over Andre Fili, ensured he was in fighting shape and ready for the challenge.
The effect on Diego Lopes
The sudden change has also had a profound effect on Diego Lopes. Lopes was originally scheduled to face the featherweight Ortega and had to adjust his weight and opponent. He previously cut to 140, but now faces Ige at the catchweight of 165 pounds.The quick rehab added more complexity to Lopes’ preparation.
Aaron Bronstetter confirmed the change with this update: “Dan Ige is stepping in for Brian Ortega to face Diego Lopes in the main event included in tonight’s broadcast. Ortega had a fever of 103 degrees. This highlighted the last-minute nature of the change and the resilience of both fighters.
The UFC is the commission’s answer
The UFC and the Nevada Athletic Commission moved swiftly to address the situation. Jeff Mullen, the commission’s executive director, explained the process: “Fortunately, his 14th contender, Dan Ige, already had a license right here in the city , fought here in February and won by knockout in the first round. We had all the treatment and met all his needs, so he was there.”
“They fought,” Mullen added. He’s 14th and Diego is 15th, so it’s a perfect matchup – a perfectly agreeable matchup. And again, we had everything. I made sure everything was going well with our lawyer. … Plus, he was training for a fight on July 20, so he was prepared and ready to go.” This feedback ensured that the program could proceed without significant disruption.
