Noche UFC 306: Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes: Live round-by-round updates
A featherweight bout between Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes will go down on the main card of Noche UFC 306 later tonight at the Las Vegas Sphere.
Ortega (16-3-1) came awfully close to relishing his title dreams when he almost submitted former champion Alexander Volkanovski twice at UFC 266 in 2021. Ever since that fateful night, 'T-City' has been trying to make his way to another title shot.
While he lost his subsequent fight to Yair Rodriguez, owing to a shoulder injury, Ortega defeated 'El Pantera' in their rematch earlier this February. Currently ranked No.3 in the division, a win against an up-and-coming contender like Lopes will solidify his place in the division.
Lopes (25-6) has been on a tear in recent years. He is currently on a four-fight win streak with three of those wins coming via first-round finishes. A win against Ortega will most likely see him entering the top five of the division.
The bookmakers have the Brazilian as a -175 favorite for the fight, with 'T-City' as a +145 underdog.
The main card of Noche UFC 306 is now underway. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the fight card.
Check out the final face-off between Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes below:
Noche UFC 306: Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes
Round 1
Wow!!! Lopes connects with a quick one-two early in the fight which buckles Ortega's legs. He recovers but is hit with another flurry by the Mexican which sends 'T-City' crashing down to the canvas.
Lopes has full mount on his opponent has is raining down punches. A triangle attempt by Ortega forces Lopes to get back to his feet. After a few attempts at getting something going on the ground, Lopes ultimately lets his opponent back up.
A good jab lands for 'T-City'. A good knee followed by a left hook lands for Ortega. Lopes clearly seems to have the power advantage. Ortega's left eye is wearing damage from the flurry that dropped him. A dominant round for Lopes
Our score: 10-8 Lopes
Round 2
As the second round unfolds, Ortega is trying to get something going on the feet. Lopes connects with a heavy one-two to the head. A powerful body shot lands for him.
Ortega enters on a single leg but is unsuccessful in getting a takedown. 'T-City' is employing low kicks in an attempt to compromise his opponent's mobility. A jab lands for Ortega and Lopes returns fire with a straight right hand.
Lopes connects with a high kick, he follows it up with a one-two combo. Wow!!! A leg kick by Lopes puts Ortega on the ground.
As he gets back to his feet, Ortega connects with a short left hook. However, 'T-City's' punches don't seem to have the same pop to them as his opponent's.
Our score: 10-9 Lopes.
Round 3
Ortega's left leg is wearing considerable damage from the leg kicks he incurred in the previous rounds. Lopes' work rate seems to have diminished considerably. Both men exchange in the pocket, with 'T-City' landing the greater number of shots.
'T-City' is peppering his opponent with quick jabs and straights. Ortega is leading the dance now. He enters on a single leg, however fails to get a takedown. A quick one-two lands for 'T-City'. This is undoubtedly the best round of the fight so far for Ortega.
Lopes forces his opponent to the cage and tries to take his back. As the pair separates, Ortega once again goes on the offensive, pushing his opponent back with one-two combos.
Lopes connects with a powerful left hand which puts Ortega on the canvas. He tries to lock in a rear-naked choke. Ortega gets out of the disadvantageous position at the end of the round. A good round for Lopes.
Our score: 10-8 Lopes.
Stay tuned for the official decision.
Official decision: Diego Lopes def. Brian Ortega via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27).
Check out the official decision below: