Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes meet Saturday on the primary card of UFC 306 at Sphere in Las Vegas. Try this fast breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom. 

Final occasion: 0-5

UFC important playing cards, 2024: 76-66-3

Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes UFC 306 preview

UFC Corridor of Famer Daniel Cormier may’ve hit the nail on the top when he mentioned not too long ago that Lopes (25-6 MMA, 4-1 UFC) beating Ortega (16-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) could be “a little bit of a altering of the guard” given the place each fighters are at of their careers. … Ortega, 33, has struggled to be lively since difficult for the featherweight title, going 2-3 prior to now six years. He is coming off a Efficiency of the Night time submission win over Yair Rodriguez this previous February. Ortega was slated to struggle Lopes in June at UFC 303, however he was compelled to drag out after a tricky weight minimize. … Lopes, 29, has made noise since becoming a member of the UFC final 12 months, as he was named MMA Junkie’s Newcomer of the Yr for 2023. He is on a four-fight profitable streak, together with a choice win over Dan Ige, who took the struggle at UFC 303 on just some hours’ discover following Ortega’s withdrawal.

Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes UFC 306 skilled decide, prediction

These two had been initially booked again at UFC 303 till well being points post-weight minimize compelled Ortega to withdraw, which, in flip, arrange a memorable last-minute reserving between Lopes and Dan Ige.

Though Ortega and Lopes have a lot nearer to a full camp this time round, it is nonetheless laborious to be assured within the well being standing of both combatant contemplating the fast nature of this turnaround and the context surrounding this may’t-miss, once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

For that purpose, I virtually discover myself leaning into issues like age and sturdiness given the x-factors that quietly loom giant.

Ortega is the extra confirmed product on paper in relation to all the pieces from his expertise to his expertise, however Lopes nonetheless possesses some stylistic edges (that I additional define within the in-depth breakdown I put out for this struggle again in June) that would turn out to be useful for this struggle.

Whether or not Lopes is countering Ortega’s kicks or taxing him with straight photographs down the middle, I believe that the Lobo Health club consultant will be capable to pile on to the present injury that “T-Metropolis” accrued over his profession.

I will keep on with my preliminary forecast for Lopes to provide a stoppage through strikes in Spherical 2.

Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes UFC 306 odds

The oddsmakers and public are favoring the youthful fighter, itemizing Lopes (-188) and Ortega (+146) through FanDuel.

Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes UFC 306 begin time, the best way to watch

Because the featured bout on the primary card, Ortega and Lopes are anticipated to make their walks to the octagon at roughly 11:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. regionally in Las Vegas). The struggle will stream on ESPN+ pay-per-view.

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 306.

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