Joe Rogan Reacts as Private Messages Between Dan Ige and UFC Boss Get Revealed Amid Shocking UFC 303 Fight Announcement

UFC 303 has seen a unique shake-up in the co-main event between Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes! The build-up to the card has been a rollercoaster for MMA fans with the withdrawal of Conor McGregor from his fight against Michael Chandler prompting the promotion to pivot to set up a new main event between Jiri Prochazka and Alex Pereira on short-notice.

The co-main event has also been subject to a lot of changes as it was originally scheduled to be a featherweight bout, but the fight was changed to 155 lbs shortly before the official weigh-ins due to Ortega being unable to make the weight. And now, there has been another change-up as ‘T-City’ is now out of the fight entirely!

Joe Rogan and UFC world stunned with the short-notice change to UFC 303 co-main event

In a surprising turn of events, Dan Ige has now stepped up to face Diego Lopes in an extremely short-notice change as Ortega pulled out of the fight due to a fever. During the UFC 303 broadcast, Jon Anik confirmed the news to color commentator Joe Rogan, who was left stunned at the update.

He stated, “Well, I’m all in, I love it, I love the fight, I love the matchup, Dan Ige is a straight up killer and I think Diego Lopes has world championship caliber potential. I really think that guy is something special, and Dan Ige, if anybody is going to derail the hype train, Dan Ige is your guy. ”

Ige’s determination to prove himself by taking on the dangerous Lopes on short notice was also illustrated through his messages to UFC matchmaker, Hunter Campbell. Ige stated, “Hey Hunter, I’ve been in camp for 3 months. I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been, I can fight this guy tonight and beat him. This is what legends are made of. I’m in I’m ready. I’m in great shape. Please don’t take this opportunity away from me.”

Ige is coming off an impressive first round finish over Andre Fili at UFC Vegas 86 in February and was preparing for his upcoming fight at UFC Vegas 94 before he made the decision to replace Ortega just hours before the fight. His opponent, Lopes is currently on a 3-fight win streak and is also coming into this matchup with a spectacular first round finish over Sodiq Yusuff at UFC 300. This unexpected turn of events has set the stage for a thrilling encounter that fans will eagerly anticipate to deliver fireworks inside the Octagon and according to the NAC (Nevada Athletic Commission) executive director, Ige’s availability was the key to saving this fight on short notice!

Dan Ige was the perfect choice for short-notice heroics according to NAC executive director

The bout between Dan Ige and Diego Lopes will now be contested at a catch weight of 165 lbs, and according to NAC executive director, Jeff Mullen, it was a blessing that Ige was in town for the event! He stated in an interview with ESPN, “Fortunately, Dan Ige, who is the 14th-ranked contender, is right here in town, he was already licensed. He fought here in February and won by first-round knockout. We already had all of his medicals, all of his requirements completed, so he was available. ”

Mullen further went on to reveal that due to the close proximity of both men’s ranking, 14 for Ige and 15 for Lopes, the matchup was easily approved by the commission and due to Ige already preparing for a fight on July 20, it made sense why he’d agree to the fight.

In conclusion, Dan Ige’s swift decision to step in and fight on such short notice exemplifies the unpredictable and dynamic nature of mixed martial arts and the stage is set for an explosive encounter between two lethal warriors inside the Octagon! What are your thoughts on the multiple changes UFC 303 has seen and how the promotion has handled the hurdles? Let us know in the comments below!