UFC: Dan Ige Saves the Day, Wins Against Diego Lopes on Short Notice
In a remarkable turn of events, Dan Ige stepped in to face Diego Lopes on short notice in the UFC, winning by unanimous decision. The bout was made possible after Brian Ortega was forced to withdraw due to illness.
Ortega was originally scheduled to face Lopes, but he was declared medically unfit to compete just hours before the fight. Ige, who had been training for a July fight, quickly agreed to take the bout, despite the short notice.
"I’ve been in camp for three months. I’m in better shape than ever, I can fight this guy tonight and beat him," Ige said in a message to UFC executive Hunter Campbell. "This is what legends are made of. I’m here, I’m ready. I’m in top form. Please don’t deprive me of this opportunity."
The State Athletic Commission reviewed the situation and deemed it possible for Ige to fight on short notice. The bout was made at a catchweight of 165 pounds.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission notes that this is not the first time a fighter has been forced to withdraw due to illness, but it is the first time in UFC history that a co-main event has been saved on such short notice.
Ige’s victory marks a remarkable turnaround for the fighter, who was originally not expected to compete in the bout.
