Diego Lopes and Brian Ortega finally met, and the fast-rising Brazilian continued his rise to the top of the featherweight division. Lopes won the fight unanimously (30-27×2, 30-26).

There was really no doubt about this.

After controlling the first round, Lopes continued to dominate the longtime featherweight contender. After nearly getting the finish in the first round, Lopes came close again in the third, but Ortega survived.

By the end of the fight, Ortega was badly bloodied and his left leg was worn out by Lopes’ consistent barrage of kicks. The win was a huge one for Lopes, who entered the fight ranked No. 12, and Ortega, who was ranked No. 3.

Lopes is ranked No. 3 when the new rankings are released on September 17. Due to his recent success, Lopes’ next fight could be a shot at the UFC Featherweight Championship.

Diego Lopes’ last 5 results before victory over Ortega

• To win against Dan Ige by unanimous decision at UFC 303 on June 29, 2024.
• To win vs. Sodiq Yusuff by KO/TKO (punches) at UFC 300 on April 13, 2024.
• To win vs. Pat Sabatini by KO/TKO (punches) at UFC 295 on November 11, 2023.
• To win against Gavin Tucker via submission (triangle armbar) at UFC Fight Night on August 5, 2023.
• Loss to Movsar Evloev via unanimous decision at UFC 288 on May 6, 2023.

The win over Ortega was the biggest of his career, and it would make sense that he would be the next challenger. But things could get complicated at 145 pounds.

Ilia Topuria is set to defend his title against Max Holloway at UFC 308. Longtime champion Alexander Volkanovski never got a rematch against Topuria and he seems to be waiting in the wings. Will Lopes get a title shot before Volkanovski can regain his belt?

We’ll see.

Ortega may have had his last fight at featherweight. He has struggled to make it to 145 pounds and has faced and lost to all the top fighters in the division.

Brian Ortega’s latest results before loss to Diego Lopes

• To win against Yair Rodriguez via submission (arm triangle) at UFC Fight Night on February 24, 2024.
• Loss against Yair Rodriguez by TKO (injury) at UFC Fight Night on July 16, 2022.
• Loss to Alexander Volkanovski via unanimous decision at UFC 266 on September 25, 2021.
• To win against Chan Sung Jung at UFC Fight Night on October 17, 2020.
• Loss vs. Max Holloway by TKO (doctor stoppage) at UFC 231 on December 8, 2018.

If Ortega wants to continue his career, his next fights will likely come at 155 pounds in the lightweight division. Here’s a look at all the results from Noche UFC.

UFC 306 Main Card Results

• Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili
• Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko
• Diego Lopes defeats Brian Ortega via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
• Esteban Ribovics defeats Daniel Zellhuber via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Ronaldo Rodriguez defeats Ode Osbourne via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)

UFC 306 preliminary card results

• Norma Dumont def. Irene Aldana via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
• Ignacio Bahamondes def. Manuel Torres via TKO at 4:02 of round 1
• Ketlen Souza def. Yazmin Jauregui via submission at 3:02 of round 1 (Rear-naked choke)
• Joshua Van def. Edgar Chairez via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

UFC 306 Preliminary Card Results

• Raul Rosas Jr. def. Aoriqileng via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)