LAS VEGAS – Brian Ortega thinks combating Diego Lopes is extra about protecting his place than gaining anything.
Ortega (16-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC), a former UFC featherweight title challenger and long-time staple of the promotion, returns to the octagon to tackle Lopes (24-6 MMA, 3-1 UFC) – a fighter that’s shortly rising up the ranks, however has solely been within the UFC for just a little over a yr. The 2 battle within the co-main occasion of UFC 303, which works down Saturday at T-Cell Area.
Ortega believes he has every part to lose and Lopes every part to realize on this short-notice contest.
“For me, not a lot loopy stakes,” Ortega advised reporters on the UFC 303 media day on Wednesday. “That’s why individuals are like, ‘Why did you’re taking this battle?’ For him, it clearly places him in excellent title rivalry. These are sort of the stakes there.”
Though Ortega doesn’t see himself getting a title shot or advancing a lot within the rankings with a win, he does consider defeating Lopes will shut up any critics which might be uncertain of his present standing within the division.
“That is what’s going to check the place I’m at,” Ortega mentioned. “You bought these hungry lions arising and desirous to take your spot, and so they’re virtually there, you’ve been right here for some time, can you maintain down and preserve your place?
“Granted, like I mentioned, it’s on two weeks’ discover. There’s a whole lot of components in there, however nonetheless, the truth that I’m nonetheless all the way down to take these fights on quick discover, that’s the dope half.”
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