MMA is an unpredictable sport, as postponements, withdrawals, and replacements plague most fight cards. However, the recent co-main event of UFC 303 raised the bar for all the fighters. The Brazilian fighter Diego Lopes recently shared a jaw-dropping story about his UFC 303 experience.
Lopes took to X to summarize the insanity that was these last two weeks. He accepted a fight on just two weeks’ notice. That’s already a gutsy move, but the real kicker was that his opponent changed a mere four hours before the event. Top 15-ranked Dan Ige stepped in place of Brian Ortega.
UFC gave us the option to not accept. I could have gotten paid without fighting. I could have said no to the fight. I was weighing 161lbs. but like I said. anyone, anytime, anywhere. In whatever weight.
Diego Lopes via X
Lopes revealed the UFC gave him the option to bow out gracefully. No one would have blamed him if he did. Nevertheless, the BJJ expert accepted without question. The initial fight was set at 145lbs. It was then changed to 155lbs and finally to 165lbs. Two weight changes and an opponent change couldn’t deter Lopes from fighting.
I’ll just summarize the madness that it all was. I accept the fight with 2 weeks to fight with number 3 . change of category, 145,155, 165lbs . 3 hours before the event, they change my opponent, someone who had a 3 month camp without cutting weight.
— Diego Lopes 🇧🇷🇲🇽 (@Diegolopesmma) June 30, 2024
UFC gave us the option to not accept. I could have gotten paid without fighting. I could have said no to the fight. I was weighing 161lbs. but like I said. anyone, anytime, anywhere. In whatever weight.
— Diego Lopes 🇧🇷🇲🇽 (@Diegolopesmma) June 30, 2024
Diego Lopes embodied the warrior spirit and stayed true to the mantra of “Anyone, anytime, anywhere.” Lopes’ story is a reminder of the sacrifices fighters make. They put their bodies on the line with little notice or preparation. It’s not just about the physical toll, either. The mental fortitude required is staggering. The UFC commends and encourages this type of commitment.
Dana White will honor UFC 303 co-main event fighter’s wishes
Adaptability can be a fighter’s greatest asset in MMA. Opportunities can show themselves at any time with no notice at all. Diego Lopes and Dan Ige proved that at UFC 303 co-main event. These two featherweights stepped up to save UFC 303’s co-main event. They accepted a fight on incredibly short notice, mere hours before the event.
Dana White accepts UFC 303 co-main event fighters wishes (via X/ Imago)UFC CEO Dana White was thoroughly impressed. He showered both fighters with praise for their willingness to compete. White revealed that several ranked fighters turned down the opportunity. However, Lopes and Ige jumped at the chance without hesitation. After the fight, both these guys had asked for a spot at the historic Sphere event. Dana White was more than optimistic.
I do. I would do anything for these guys. So Yeah.
Dana White at the UFC 303 post-fight press conference
Dana White talks Diego Lopes and Dan Ige: You couldn’t have two bigger studs than these guys tonight.
Asked if he thinks he could put both of them on the Sphere card: I’ll do anything for these guys.#UFC303 pic.twitter.com/cWD1nRoSJj
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) June 30, 2024
It’s refreshing to see such dedication in an era of carefully managed careers. The reaction from the UFC CEO suggested that the promotion and Dana White value this kind of commitment. It’s a reminder that sometimes, opportunity knocks when you least expect it. For Lopes and Ige, their impromptu bout could set themselves up for a bout against top-ranked contenders.
