Brian Ortega (16-3-0)
Brian Ortega, nicknamed “T-City,” is a top contender in the featherweight division. Known for his exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and resilience, Ortega has a well-rounded skill set with 8 of his 16 wins coming by submission. His journey in the UFC has been marked by high-profile bouts and notable victories, including a submission win over Yair Rodríguez in February 2024. Ortega's ground game is his biggest strength, but he’s also demonstrated the ability to adapt and improve his striking. He was originally scheduled to face Diego Lopes at UFC 303 but had to withdraw due to illness. Now, Ortega is set to rematch Lopes, aiming to solidify his place as a top contender.
Last 3 Fights
- Win: vs. Yair Rodríguez (Submission – Arm-Triangle Choke), UFC Fight Night 237, Feb 24, 2024 – Round 3, 3:45
- Loss: vs. Yair Rodríguez (TKO – Shoulder Injury), UFC on ABC 3, Jul 16, 2022 – Round 1, 5:00
- Loss: vs. Alexander Volkanovski (Decision – Unanimous), UFC 266, Sep 25, 2021 – 5 Rounds
Diego Lopes (25-6-0)
Diego Lopes, a Brazilian featherweight fighter, has been making waves with his recent performances. Known for his striking power and submission skills, Lopes has a record of 10 knockouts and 12 submissions. He made a strong debut at UFC 288 despite losing to Movsar Evloev, and since then, he has secured significant wins, including a knockout victory over Sodiq Yusuff in April 2024. Lopes is coming off a win against Dan Ige at UFC 303 after Ortega’s last-minute withdrawal. His aggressive style and ability to finish fights make him a dangerous opponent for Ortega.
Last 3 Fights
- Win: vs. Sodiq Yusuff (TKO – Punches), UFC 300, Apr 13, 2024 – Round 1, 1:57
- Win: vs. Pat Sabatini (TKO – Punches), UFC 295, Nov 11, 2023 – Round 1, 1:18
- Win: vs. Gavin Tucker (Submission – Armbar), UFC on ESPN 50, Aug 5, 2023 – Round 1, 3:02
Prediction
This matchup presents an intriguing clash between Ortega’s elite ground game and Lopes’ striking prowess. Ortega's ability to secure submissions and his experience in high-pressure fights give him a significant advantage on the ground. However, Lopes' recent knockout power and striking improvements make him a formidable challenge. Ortega's best path to victory will be to close the distance and engage in grappling exchanges, where he has a clear advantage. Lopes will need to utilize his striking and keep the fight standing to avoid Ortega's dangerous submission attempts.
Official Prediction: Brian Ortega via Submission, Round 2.
