June 15, 2024

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Diego Lopes: If I submit Brian Ortega at UFC 303, ‘there’s no doubt I deserve a title shot’

Diego Lopes will look to capitalize on a huge opportunity at UFC 303.

Lopes (23-6 MMA, 3-1 UFC) faces Brian Ortega (16-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) in a featherweight bout on June 29 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, which broadcasts on pay-per-view after the prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

Ortega marks a huge step up in competition for Lopes, but the fan favorite explains that he was the only one willing to face Ortega on short notice after the promotion fought to save UFC 303 with Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler ruled out.

“I know people will complain because I’m ranked 14th (featherweight),” said Lopes ESPN Sports. “I know that the UFC offered the fight to other fighters who are in the rankings and don’t have a fight. I know they didn’t accept it, so they called me and knew that I would have the biggest fight of my career against the number 3 in the world.”

Lopes sees big risks with a win over former title challenger Ortega. If he can continue his shooting spree, the 29-year-old thinks he could catapult himself into title contention.

“Ortega has been in the UFC for years. His losses were against the champions, so I see this as a golden opportunity in my hands to take a step forward in the division,” said Lopes. “I think the chances are very high (of getting a title shot with a win).

“Imagine if I beat Ortega and see how the standings change – I’ll be really good in the standings. Without a doubt, I will be in the conversation to be next in line. But if I win in a solid way like I finished the last few, I believe there is no doubt that I will deserve to fight for the title.”

For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to UFC 303.

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MMA: UFC 300 – Weigh-in

April 12, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; UFC fighter Diego Lopes during the ceremonial weigh-in of…

April 12, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; UFC fighter Diego Lopes during the UFC 300 ceremonial weigh-in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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MMA: UFC 300 – Weigh-in

April 12, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; UFC fighter Sodiq Yusuff during the ceremonial weigh-in of…

April 12, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; UFC fighter Sodiq Yusuff during the UFC 300 ceremonial weigh-in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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MMA: UFC 300 – Weigh-in

April 12, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; UFC fighter Sodiq Yusuff (left) faces Diego…

April 12, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; UFC fighter Sodiq Yusuff (left) faces Diego Lopes during the UFC 300 ceremonial weigh-in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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Diego Lopes defeated. Sodiq Yusuff, UFC 300 1 (UFC)

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MMA: UFC 300 – Yusuff x Lopes

April 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Diego Lopes (blue gloves) fights defeating Sodiq Yusuff (red…

April 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Diego Lopes (blue gloves) fights defeating Sodiq Yusuff (red gloves) during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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MMA: UFC 300 – Yusuff x Lopes

April 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Diego Lopes (blue gloves) fights defeating Sodiq Yusuff (red…

April 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Diego Lopes (blue gloves) fights defeating Sodiq Yusuff (red gloves) during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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MMA: UFC 300 – Yusuff x Lopes

April 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Diego Lopes (blue gloves) fights defeating Sodiq Yusuff (red…

April 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Diego Lopes (blue gloves) fights defeating Sodiq Yusuff (red gloves) during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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Diego Lopes defeated. Sodiq Yusuff at UFC 300

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 13: Diego Lopes of Brazil celebrates defeating Sodiq Yusuff of Nigeria…

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 13: Diego Lopes of Brazil celebrates defeating Sodiq Yusuff of Nigeria during their featherweight fight at T-Mobile Arena on April 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

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MMA: UFC 300 – Yusuff x Lopes

April 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Diego Lopes (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Sodiq Yusuff…

April 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Diego Lopes (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Sodiq Yusuff (not pictured) during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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Diego Lopes defeated. Sodiq Yusuff at UFC 300

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 13: Diego Lopes of Brazil celebrates defeating Sodiq Yusuff of Nigeria…

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MMA: UFC 300 – Yusuff x Lopes

April 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Diego Lopes (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Sodiq Yusuff…

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MMA: UFC 300 – Yusuff x Lopes

April 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mark Zuckerberg during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory…

April 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mark Zuckerberg during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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MMA: UFC 300 – Yusuff x Lopes

April 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mark Zuckerberg (right) and Dana White (left) during the UFC…

April 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mark Zuckerberg (right) and Dana White (left) during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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MMA: UFC 300 – Yusuff x Lopes

April 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mark Zuckerberg (right) and Dana White (left) during the UFC…

April 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mark Zuckerberg (right) and Dana White (left) during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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MMA: UFC 300 – Yusuff x Lopes

April 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Diego Lopes (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Sodiq Yusuff…

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Diego Lopes defeated. Sodiq Yusuff at UFC 300

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 13: Diego Lopes of Brazil celebrates defeating Sodiq Yusuff of Nigeria…

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Diego Lopes defeated. Sodiq Yusuff at UFC 300

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 13: Diego Lopes of Brazil celebrates defeating Sodiq Yusuff of Nigeria…

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Diego Lopes defeated. Sodiq Yusuff at UFC 300

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 13: Diego Lopes of Brazil celebrates defeating Sodiq Yusuff of Nigeria…

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Diego Lopes defeated. Sodiq Yusuff, UFC 300 scores

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