Adam Williams presents his prediction for the UFC 306 fight.
Diego Lopes
Diego Lopes will immediately attempt to unsettle Brian Ortega with two devastating hooks and provoke Brian into a brawl right from the start. At mid-range, Diego will not forget about sharp low kicks and body attacks. Up close, he will unleash a powerful uppercut to catch Ortega between the hands. Diego will go for a takedown on the counterattack and try to grab the leg. From the top position, he will deliver vicious ground-and-pound and be able to escape grappling traps. He will also try to take the back and attempt this while standing against the cage.
Brian Ortega
Ortega will press forward, delivering numerous jabs and combining them with precise crosses. Once he closes the distance, he will start throwing hooks to all levels. Brian will knock down Diego’s lead hand and hit him with a one-two combo. He will employ constant pullbacks to evade attacks and land his own series of punches. If Diego raises a high guard, Brian will immediately throw a mid-kick or go for a double-leg takedown. On the ground, Ortega will not rush; he will focus on control and methodical ground-and-pound. Diego will likely try to lock in a submission, but Brian will be ready to switch positions and go for the neck.
Betting Odds
The bookmakers consider Diego the favourite, citing his knockout power and rising star ambitions. The odds for Lopes to win are . Analysts suspect that in terms of form and motivation, Brian is at a disadvantage compared to Diego. A bet on Ortega to win comes with odds of .
Ortega vs Lopes Prediction
In striking, Ortega operates far more creatively, so if the fight stays standing, he will have a clear advantage. He can find gaps in Lopes' defence and catch him with counters. It’s not certain that Ortega will knock out his opponent, but he will at least outscore him on points. Additionally, finishing Brian is not easy, as he quickly recognizes when he needs to resort to grappling for safety. In grappling, the chances will be even, and both fighters risk getting caught in submissions. Therefore, they will approach the ground game carefully and avoid submissions. Considering Brian's superior boxing and the inflated odds for him, betting on his victory seems like a good idea.
