We asked AI to predict the winner of UFC 303: Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes (and it had the perfect reply)
The Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes co-main event bout for UFC 303 just got its very own AI prediction from Google's in-house chatbot AI, Gemini. The matchup is a featherweight clash between two of the division's most exciting fighters, with both men sporting an impressive depth of high-level grappling and heavy hands.
However, there is a gap in experience that cannot be understated. Ortega is a two-time featherweight title challenger, having faced some of the best in the division, in Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. While he came up short both times, his toughness was a highlight in the matchups.
Meanwhile, Lopes has been an offensive storm since signing with the promotion, only losing to relentless Russian wrestler Movsar Evloev. Unfortunately, he has not faced as many high-level foes as Ortega has, which Gemini feels is reason enough to give 'T-City' the slight nod in their bout.
Moreover, the AI prediction cites Ortega's toughness as an insurmountable barrier, as the former title challenger has never been finished, barring freak injuries. Curiously, the AI mistakenly describes Ortega as a fighter with a strong wrestling background.
'T-City' has no wrestling background to speak of, coming from the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Additionally, he has been noted for having a poor wrestling game and poses no real takedown threat, with most of his submissions being opportunistic from scrambles.
While the AI acknowledges that Lopes shouldn't be overlooked given his power and current win streak, it still predicts an Ortega win due to the latter's toughness, experience, and grappling, even though Lopes is just as skilled a grappler.
The Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes fight is the consistency 'T-City' has been missing
With Brian Ortega scheduled to take on the streaking Diego Lopes this weekend, it marks the first time that 'T-City' has fought twice in the same year since 2018. He submitted Yair Rodriguez earlier on Feb. 24. Now, months later, he is locking horns with one of the featherweight division's most dangerous prospects.
Check out Brian Ortega submitting Yair Rodriguez:
The previous years have been difficult for Ortega, who has struggled with injuries and a lack of consistency, having no fights in 2023, and just one bout in 2022, 2021, and 2020, with none in 2019.