Last-Minute UFC 303 Co-Main Event Switch as Dan Ige Replaces Ill Brian Ortega Against Diego Lopes

In a surprising turn of events at UFC 303, Dan Ige stepped into the octagon at the last minute to face Diego Lopes in the co-main event after Brian Ortega was forced to withdraw due to illness. The switch, unheard of in recent UFC history, came just hours before the fight was scheduled to take place.

UFC President Dana White described the move as historic, highlighting the spontaneity and courage involved in Ige taking on the challenge. The sudden replacement was confirmed after Lopes vs. Ige was announced as the new matchup for the event.

The significant change created a buzz in the UFC community, eliciting reactions from various fighters like Sean O'Malley, Ali Abdelaziz, Ariel Helwani, Belal Muhammad, Justin Gaethje, and Michael Bisping, who commended the fighters for their bravery and readiness to compete at a moment’s notice.

Despite not weighing in on the designated day, Ige agreed to the fight approximately four hours before the scheduled time. The switch was labelled as unprecedented, with Ige and his team swiftly making their way to the arena to prepare for the unexpected showdown.

Originally, the lightweight bout between Lopes and Ortega was set as the co-main event, underscoring the magnitude of the last-minute transition. While Ortega was aiming for a second consecutive victory following his win against Yair Rodríguez, Lopes was riding a three-fight win streak, with his latest triumph coming over Sodiq Yusuff at UFC 300 in April.

Ige, having secured a win against Andre Fili in February, showcased his agility and versatility by taking on Lopes in the revamped co-main event, marking a unique and memorable chapter in UFC history.