In a whirlwind of last-minute changes, UFC 303’s co-main event delivered unexpected fireworks. The duo of Diego Lopez and Dan Ige put on a hard-hitting performance to close out the co-main event. Diego Lopes emerged victorious against Dan Ige after outworking him in the first two rounds.
The bout was initially scheduled as Lopes vs. Brian Ortega. It was supposed to be a featherweight fight but was changed to 155 pounds. The fight further took a dramatic turn when Ortega’s illness forced a reshuffling that landed Ige in the co-headliner spot on just 4 hours notice. Now, the fight was contested at 165 pounds.
Lopes, the rising Brazilian star, showcased his versatility from the opening bell. A near-submission attempt in the first round via D’Arce choke had the crowd on edge. The second round saw the BJJ expert Lopes strike and dominate Ige on the ground.
He controlled Ige, frustrating the Hawaiian’s attempts to create space. As fatigue set in, the third round brought a shift in momentum. Ige, sensing Lopes gassing out, unleashed a barrage of punches. The late surge had fans wondering if a comeback was in the works.
Dan Ige with the victory under Diaz rules. What a performance. 29-28 Lopes.
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) June 30, 2024Despite Ige’s valiant effort, Lopes held on for a unanimous decision win. All three judges scored the bout 29-28 in his favor. The last-minute nature of the matchup added an extra layer of intrigue. His willingness to face a tough opponent like Lopes earned him respect from fans and fellow fighters alike.
Ige received huge cheers from the crowd at the event. He definitely walked out of the octagon as a much more fan-favorite fighter than when he walked in. Moreover, the UFC will have to pay him quite a check for saving the event at the last minute.
Fight fans react to Diego Lopes vs. Dan Ige bout at UFC 303
The MMA world was thrown into a frenzy at UFC 303’s unexpected co-main event. Dan Ige’s eleventh-hour decision to face Diego Lopes set social media ablaze. Fight fans and analysts alike marveled at Ige’s willingness to step up. The Hawaiian warrior accepted the bout on just hours’ notice, a rarity even in MMA.
Fight fans reacted to this fight on social media. The main theme of the reactions revolved around admiration for Dan Ige for saving the co-main event card. Others felt that a $50K bonus was not enough for Ige as both he and Lopez put on a spectacular performance.
50k just ain't gonna cut it for our man Dan anymore.
— JohnJordan (@ZebesMoon) June 30, 2024man ige coulda won if he didnt grapple at the end
— Wooster Jeeves (@WoosterJeeves2) June 30, 2024Lopez vs. Yair at The Sphere
It rhymes and it's the fight to make.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) June 30, 2024Him & Diego deserve giant purses
— Goosey (@TheImmortalHonk) June 30, 2024Ige had the benefit of not cutting weight as well, helped him in the latter rounds I’m sure
— Ja (@JadenWalters5) June 30, 2024The MMA community’s response showcased the sport’s tight-knit nature. Even though he lost, fans and fighters united in their admiration for Ige’s courage and professionalism. As UFC 303 concluded, the Ige debate left a lasting impression. It reminded everyone of the sacrifices fighters make and the unpredictable nature of MMA.
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