With UFC 306 fast approaching, the pressure is on for Brian Ortega to prove himself once again in the Octagon. As a former two-time UFC featherweight title challenger, Ortega’s upcoming fight against rising star Diego Lopes is crucial for his future in the division. Daniel Cormier, a respected figure in the MMA community, recognizes the significance of this matchup for Ortega’s career.
In a recent interview on “Good Guy/Bad Guy” with Chael Sonnen, Cormier emphasized the importance of this fight for Ortega. He pointed out that a loss to someone like Lopes, who is on a winning streak and climbing the ranks, could signal a changing of the guard in the featherweight division. Ortega has been a mainstay at the top of the card for a long time, but he needs to prove that he can still hang with the new generation of fighters.
A Shot at Redemption
Ortega’s victory over Yair Rodriguez in his last fight was impressive, especially considering he was coming off two consecutive losses. This win put him back on track and showed that he still has what it takes to compete at an elite level. With a new champion in Ilia Topuria set to fight Max Holloway, Ortega has a chance to position himself as a top contender with a win over Lopes.
Underdog Status
Despite his recent success, Ortega finds himself as the underdog in the odds leading up to UFC 306. According to DraftKings, Lopes is favored to win the fight, with Ortega listed as a significant underdog. This adds even more pressure on Ortega to prove the oddsmakers wrong and show that he is still a force to be reckoned with in the featherweight division.
As the fight draws near, all eyes will be on Brian Ortega to see if he can rise to the occasion and secure a victory over Diego Lopes. The outcome of this fight could have a significant impact on Ortega’s future in the UFC and his path to another title shot. Only time will tell if Ortega can deliver when it matters most and solidify his position as one of the top fighters in the featherweight division.