Event Overview
- Event: UFC 306
- Main Fight: Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes
- Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
- Location: Sphere in Las Vegas, NV
- Time: Early Prelims (7:30 p.m. ET), Prelims (8:00 p.m. ET), Main Card (10:00 p.m. ET)
- How to Watch: Early Prelims (ESPN+), Prelims (ESPN), Main Card (ESPN+ PPV)
UFC 306, held on Saturday, September 14, at the Sphere in Las Vegas, marks the second celebration of Mexican Independence Day by the UFC.
UFC 306 Fight Card
- Sean O'Malley Vs Merab Dvalishvili (Bantamweight - Main Event - Title Fight)
- Alexa Grasso Vs Valentina Shevchenko (Women's Flyweight - Title Fight)
- Brian Ortega Vs Diego Lopes (Featherweight)
- Daniel Zellhuber Vs Esteban Ribovics (Lightweight)
- Ronaldo Rodriguez Vs Ode' Osbourne (Flyweight)
- Irene Aldana Vs Norma Dumont (Women's Bantamweight)
- Manuel Torres Vs Ignacio Bahamondes (Lightweight)
- Yazmin Jauregui Vs Ketlen Souza (Women's Strawweight)
- Édgar Cháirez Vs Joshua Van (Flyweight)
- Raul Rosas Jr. Vs Aoriqileng (Bantamweight)
The event features a bantamweight title fight between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili, and a co-main event trilogy fight between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko. A key matchup in the evening is the featherweight bout between Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes.
Fighter Profiles
Brian Ortega (16-3-0-1)
- Ranking: No. 3 in UFC Featherweight Division
- Recent Performance: Coming off a submission win over Yair Rodriguez in February
- Notable Losses: Two title challenges against Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski
Brian Ortega, ranked No. 3 in the UFC featherweight division, has faced some of the toughest opponents in the sport, including two attempts at the UFC 145-pound title. He is known for his grappling skills and has eight submission victories to his name. Despite his low takedown accuracy (27%), Ortega’s experience and determination make him a constant threat in any fight.
Diego Lopes (25-6)
- Ranking: No. 12 in UFC Featherweight Division
- Recent Performance: On a three-fight winning streak, including an April TKO win over Sodiq Yusuff
- Key Fact: UFC 306 represents a significant step up in competition for Lopes
Diego Lopes, ranked No. 12 in the featherweight division, is on a three-fight winning streak, all by stoppage. Known for his aggressive style and finishing ability, Lopes has secured 10 wins by knockout and 12 by submission in his career. UFC 306 presents him with a major opportunity to climb the featherweight ranks.
Why Ortega vs. Lopes Matters
Initially scheduled as a short-notice co-main event for UFC 303, the fight between Ortega and Lopes was moved to UFC 306 due to weight complications and Ortega's illness on fight day. This fight now serves as a critical test for both fighters: Ortega to reassert his status in the division, and Lopes to prove he belongs among the top contenders.
Betting Breakdown
Brian Ortega
- Style: Pressure striker and grappler
- Striking Stats: 4.07 significant strikes landed per minute; 6.54 absorbed per minute
- Takedown Accuracy: 27%
- Strengths: Durability, cardio, submission skills, and experience against elite competition
- Weaknesses: Defensive striking, high rate of absorbed strikes
Ortega is known for his relentless pressure and willingness to fight to the end. He has a strong chin and a knack for surviving tough spots, making him dangerous even when he is behind on the scorecards.
However, his defense has been a liability, particularly against aggressive strikers like Lopes.
Diego Lopes
- Style: Aggressive striker and grappler
- Striking Stats: 3.24 significant strikes landed per minute with 55% accuracy; 4.08 absorbed per minute
- Strengths: Knockout power, submission skills, high-pressure fighting style
- Weaknesses: Tendency to become wild with strikes, less experience against top-tier opponents
Lopes has a well-rounded skill set with the ability to finish fights both on the feet and the ground. However, his tendency to get overly aggressive could be a risk against a seasoned opponent like Ortega, who has experience against some of the best fighters in the division.
Best Bets – UFC 306: Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes
The best betting pick for this fight is Diego Lopes to win via decision or a late doctor stoppage. While Ortega is known for his resilience and toughness, his high rate of absorbed strikes and Lopes' aggressive style could tip the fight in favor of the younger fighter, especially if Lopes maintains his composure and avoids overextending himself in pursuit of a finish.
Check out the odds HERE