“This is how legends are made” – Internet EXPLODES as Dan Ige replaces Brian Ortega to fight Diego Lopes on three-hour notice at UFC 303

Dan Ige has become the savior of Dana White's company by stepping in at the very last moment to replace Brian Ortega at UFC 303.

“This is how legends are made” – Internet EXPLODES as Dan Ige replaces Brian Ortega to fight Diego Lopes on three-hour notice at UFC 303

Dan Ige to replace Brian Ortega against Diego Lopes at UFC 303 (via Imago/Instagram)

The UFC 303 fight card has taken yet another massive hit. The co-main event star, Brian Ortega, had to pull out from the fight due to illness. Fortunately, there was ranked featherweight Dan Ige, who stepped in at the very last moment to take the fight against rising star Diego Lopes. 

During the event, the commentary team, including Joe Rogan, Daniel Cormier, and Jon Anik, announced the shocking turn of events. After Brian Ortega pulled out, Ige decided to take the chance. The fighter was already in fight camp for his co-main bout three weeks from now. It helped him to stay in fight shape and jump in without any problems. 

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Brian Ortega initially struggled to make the featherweight weight, and it was expected the fight would take place at 155lbs. Soon, the worst possible scenario happened, and Ortega pulled out. The fight will now take place at 165 lbs catchweight, and fans are fully thrilled about Ige’s unhinged determination. 

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The same goes for Joe Rogan, who was thrilled to hear the news and congratulated both Ige and Lopes for saving the card. According to Rogan, Lopes is a straight killer, and if anyone can overcome his hype, it’s Ige. At the end of the day, the fighters’ spirit has rekindled spectators’ enthusiasm for the sport.

Fight fans react to Dan Ige stepping in at the very last moment to replace Brian Ortega against Diego Lopes 

The sport of MMA is about taking chances, and when it came, Dan Ige accepted it with both hands wide open. The fighter even messaged UFC CBO Hunter Campbell to give him the fight. The fighter was sure he could take on Diego Lopes and was prepared for the risks that came with it. 

Dan Ige shakes the MMA community with his latest heroics
Dan Ige shakes the MMA community with his latest heroics (via Sports Illustrated)

Here are some reactions after the MMA community got to know about Dan Ige’s decision;

Many fans credited Dan Ige for having the courage to take the fight on three hours’ notice. Others were surprised that Campbell again made last-minute changes to make the fight happen. Nevertheless, Ige now has the chance to shock the world by pulling off something extraordinary and beating the Brazilian rising star at UFC 303.

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