Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Former featherweight championship contender Brian Ortega and rising newcomer Diego Lopes finally face off in the Octagon this weekend at UFC 306. The pair was originally matched to fight at UFC 303, but the bout failed to take place after Ortega took ill hours before the event. Diego Lopes then fought a last-minute opponent, claiming the win to maintain his streak. American Brian Ortega is the underdog in the fight.

MMA: UFC Featherweight Championship

Where to Watch: PPV

Venue: Sphere, Las Vegas, Nevada

Date: 15.09.2024

At 33, “T-City” has spent ten years in the UFC. He won six consecutive fights in his first few years in the promotion, culminating in a failed bid for the featherweight championship in 2018 when Max Holloway knocked him out. Brian Ortega returned to the Octagon earlier this year following an extended hiatus due to a shoulder injury in his 2022 fight against Yair Rodriguez. Ortega put in a performance of the Night to finish Rodriguez and avenge the loss.

• Age: 33
• Height: 5’8”
• Weight: 145lbs (66kg)
• Reach: 69”
• Record: 16-3-1 (NC)

The Brazilian faced off with Dan Ige, who took the fight in four hours after Brian Ortega dropped out and passed his fourth consecutive win. Diego Lopes, who debuted in the UFC last year with a loss against Movsar Evloev, has overcome initial adversity to shoot into the featherweight rankings. A black bat in BJJ and member of the Lobo Gym MMA, Lopes was named the UFC’s 2023 newcomer of the year.

• Age: 29
• Height: 5’11’’
• Reach: 72”
• Weight: 145lbs (66kg)
• Record: 25-6

Brian Ortega is a 2.57 underdog on Betway. Total Over 2.5 is 1.85 odds on 1xBet, with the under available at 1.9. Diego Lopes to win by decision is 3.10 on Bet365, which also priced the under 1.5 at 2.80 odds. Read more here.