Ige replaces Ortega, accepts last-minute UFC 303 bout vs. Lopes

Dan Ige is stepping into the UFC 303 co-main event against Diego Lopes on just hours' notice after Brian Ortega withdrew due to an illness, the promotion announced on the broadcast Saturday.

The fight will be contested at a 165-pound catchweight. Lopes and Ige weighed in backstage at the event, hitting 161 and 164.5 pounds, respectively. Lopes was 155 pounds at the official weigh-ins Friday.

Ortega was forced out with a 103-degree fever, according to UFC play-by-play commentator Jon Anik. The fight between Ortega and Lopes was originally slated to be at featherweight, but it moved to lightweight Friday morning after Ortega's camp confirmed the fighter would be unable to make weight.

Ige, the No. 13-ranked featherweight, was scheduled to compete at the UFC Fight Night event on July 20.

Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) executive director Jeff Mullen said Ige, who fought in Las Vegas in February, was already licensed to fight and had his medicals completed.

Ige commented backstage on how the matchup against Lopes came together:

UFC 303 will be headlined by a rematch between light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka.