Dan Ige and Diego Lopez are making history.
After Brian Ortega was deemed too sick to compete in the co-main event at UFC 303, the Las Vegas resident was upped from his couch just hours before to face Lopez in a 165-pound catchweight bout — an unprecedented move and a first in UFC history, as Ige wasn't even scheduled to compete at UFC 303.
Check out how the MMA world reacted to UFC 303's new impromptu co-main event below.
I can't believe this. Shout out to the Suga State Athletic Commission for allowing this. Ige and Lopez are fucking gangsters.
— Sean O'Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) June 30, 2024
Wow, Dan Ige is the best, Lopez is the best
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) June 30, 2024
I sincerely hope that Diego Lopez's prize money doubles. This is how legends are made. Unprecedented opportunities and results. #UFC303
— Damien Brown (@beatdown155) June 30, 2024
If this is something that could happen in the future, all LV local fighters had better be prepared and let their bosses know when they will be available. #UFC303
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) June 30, 2024
Well done Dan Ige!! What a gangster!! Let's go! #UFC303
— Uroš Medić (@urketaraketa) June 30, 2024
I was looking forward to Ortega vs Lopez, but Ige's inclusion today made it even better.
— Al Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA) June 30, 2024
Brother Dan is a total G!!! That's the definition of “getting off the couch”
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) June 30, 2024
You really have to give credit to the UFC for putting together these PPV cards that were worthwhile despite a record number of fighter withdrawals and replacements. It's really impressive. #UFC303
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) June 30, 2024
I love UFC. No other professional sports organization could pull off a last minute move like this and still produce a great fight. I love the drama. This co-main event just got even better! Follow & Dynamite Dan 808.LFG! #UFC303
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) June 30, 2024
Imagine that. You wake up in the morning, eat breakfast, go about your day, and then the same day you sign a contract to fight that night in the main event of UFC 303. It's unbelievable. And there's no pressure whatsoever. Dynamite Dan 808 I can't believe it. I admire you.
— Michael (@bisping) June 30, 2024
