Diego Lopes will look to capitalize on a massive opportunity at UFC 303.
Lopes (23-6 MMA, 3-1 UFC) meets Brian Ortega (16-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) in a featherweight bout June 29 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, which streams on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.
Ortega marks a big leap up in competition for Lopes, but the fan favorite explains that he was the only one willing to face Ortega on short notice, after the promotion scrambled to save UFC 303 with Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler scrapped.
“I know people will complain because I’m the 14th-ranked (featherweight),” Lopes told ESPN Deportes. “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, and they knew that I was going to take the biggest fight of my career against No. 3 in the world.”
Lopes sees high stakes with a win over former multiple-time title challenger Ortega. If he can continue his finishing spree, the 29-year-old thinks he could catapult himself into title contention.
“Ortega has been in the UFC for years. His losses came against champions, so I see this as a golden opportunity in my hands to take a step forward in the division,” Lopes said. “I think the chances are really big (to 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. More 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.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 303.
