At UFC 306, Brian Ortega is set to face off against Diego Lopes in a crucial featherweight matchup. But could there be clouds of disaster brewing for this fight? The two were originally scheduled to throw down at UFC 303. They were initially going to step into the cage at 145 lbs, but the bout was later scheduled at 155 lbs due to concerns with Ortega’s weight cut.

But on fight day, Ortega fell ill and Dan Ige made a heroic move by stepping up to save the fight and took on Lopes on short notice. Now, in a recent interview, Damon Jackson has made a bold statement about the chances of the match-up falling through yet again!

UFC featherweight raises concerns about Brian Ortega not making it to UFC 306

Brian Ortega had to make a tough call before UFC 303. In a statement released after his withdrawal, ‘T-City’ had shared, “I could not keep any food or water down nor could I stand up to use the restroom. I struggled with my own ego, got on a call with Tiki and Hunter, and I made the decision to call off the fight.”

Now, as the rematch looms, questions hang in the air like a thick fog. In a recent interview shared by ‘Parry Punch’ on Instagram, UFC featherweight Damon Jackson was asked if Ortega would be able to make the walk to the Octagon this time around.

Jackson didn’t hold back as he claimed, “Man, like, I’m not gonna be surprised if he has like COVID or something, I don’t know man. Like I just think it’s not a good matchup for him and I think that Diego’s got a big fanbase and everything, he’s getting there but he’s not a big enough name to risk it, for Brian yet, and I think that card is set up for him.”

The featherweight fighter also pointed to the energy surrounding the event, suggesting that Ortega might not want to face the pressure. Why? Jackson explained that “…the Mexican Independence day plus the fans, plus the energy, everything is going to be going against Brian so, don’t be surprised if he pulls out.”

But is Jackson onto something, or is this just pre-fight chatter? Only time will tell, but the stakes are undeniably high. Because Diego Lopes has come out and confirmed that he is a man on a mission going into the UFC 306 fight with his eyes only on one goal when he steps into the Octagon at ‘The Sphere’!

Diego Lopes has Ilia Topuria and featherweight gold in his crosshairs  

Diego Lopes won over the fans with his performance against Dan Ige at UFC 303 despite the chaos surrounding the fight and a short-notice change in his opponents. Now, as UFC 306 approaches, Lopes remains laser-focused. His goal? Making sure that he puts his name amongst the list of contenders for the featherweight crown, currently held by Ilia Topuria.

During a media event at the UFC 306 open workout, Lopes stated, “I think that with a great fight against Brian Ortega, that puts my name on the table to be considered for a title shot… I think it all depends on me. Having a great fight and finishing this fight against Ortega puts me in a contendership for the title.”

Ortega is ranked no.3 in the 145 lbs division and is a former title contender. As such, Lopes, who is currently ranked no. 12, can not only break into the top 5 but cement his place as a challenger for ‘El Matador’. The champion is scheduled to defend his title against Max Holloway at UFC 308 in October.

With a win over ‘T-City’ and a top-5 ranking to solidify his claim, the Brazilian just might get his wish to fight for the elusive UFC gold! Do you think Brian Ortega will make it to the Octagon on UFC 306? Or will we see another short-notice replacement? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!