Dan Ige saved the day for Dana White and the UFC earlier at UFC 303. Ige took on a fight against Diego Lopes on just hours’ notice and put on an exciting performance. What was interesting was what was Ige doing before he got the call to headline the co-main event on four hours’ notice.
This matchup was a testament to Dan Ige‘s adaptability. Before stepping into the octagon, Ige did a video for UFC Europe. In that video, the featherweight contender revealed that he had been getting massages before he got the call to step in against the 29-year-old Lopes.
I was asleep on the couch getting a massage. They called me. Big opportunity, you know, this is what legends are made of. You gotta stay ready for these type of opportunities. So I’m here tonight. Me and Diego, we’re gonna put on a great show. Go out and show the world who Dan Ige is. Go get this W.
Dan Ige via UFC Europe
Dan Ige took on Diego Lopes in a highly competitive fight. Ige had to step in on such short notice because original opponent Brian Ortega withdrew due to illness. The UFC put on a catchweight bout at 165 pounds and Lopes edged out a victory via decision. Despite a late comeback attempt, Lopes walked away with the win after all three judges scored the fight in his favor.
Nonetheless, Ige put in a commendable effort in that fight. It highlighted his adaptability in the face of unexpected circumstances. Even UFC CEO, Dana White showered the 32-year-old featherweight and his opponent with praise after the fight for showing up on such short notice.
Dana White praises Dan Ige and Diego Lopes for short notice fight
It must have been a hectic week for UFC CEO, Dana White. The fight card for UFC 303 went through numerous changes, even until the last minute. There were barely two fights left that were part of the original card that actually made it to the octagon.
Dana White praises Dan Ige and Diego Lopes (Image via Imago)Dana White addressed the sudden change in the co-main event at the post-fight press conference. He talked about Diego Lopes and how mentally challenging it was for him. Dan Ige was a completely different style to what Lopes had trained for. He also praised Ige who stepped in to replace Brian Ortega with just four hours’ notice.
And there’s Dan Ige. I’m assuming he had already ordered the fight and was ready to sit home, and watch the fight tonight and now he’s in the co-main event. You couldn’t have two bigger studs than these two guys tonight. Incredible.
Dana White at UFC 303 Post-fight press conference
Making the boss happy, both fighters banked in on an incredible opportunity. After the fight, both Ige and Lopes expressed their wish to feature in the upcoming one-time-only UFC mega event at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The UFC CEO agreed guaranteeing to put them on for the highly anticipated event this September.
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