Brian Ortega went through hell last night. The fan-favorite featherweight superstar not only lost a lopsided decision to relative newcomer Diego Lopes in their UFC 306 clash but also took on severe punishment from the Brazilian. Lopes, with his devastating power and penchant for starting strong, came out firing on all cylinders as usual, and by the time the final bell had been rung, had Ortega bloody, bruised, and humiliated.

‘T-City’ was immediately transported to the hospital to get his injuries looked at, leaving fans worried. But thankfully, the former title challenger seems to be alright, at least that’s what appears from a statement he released on Instagram.

The featherweight was remarkably upbeat, thanking god and the fact that he had his family and loved ones around him. While he did not congratulate Lopes, he did acknowledge his loss.

“Above all God is great . I’m grateful to be surrounded by people who love me . You have good days in the office and today was a bad one . Tonight wasn’t my night is was his . Life keeps going . 🙏🏼” Ortega wrote. And while Ortega may have crash and burned in the fight, Lopes shined and finds himself in an excellent position.

Diego Lopes calls for a title shot after mauling Brian Ortega

Diego Lopes wants to fight for the title next. And with him having defeated arguably the third-best fighter in his division and done so with such dominance, he does have a point. Speaking to Joe Rogan in the post-fight interview, Lopes said precisely this and made a case to fight for their title.

“I just got [through] the number three in the world. I think Brian has been there for quite some time but whatever the UFC says [next], just my name on the table for a title fight,” he said.

Featherweight champ Ilia Topuria, of course, is gearing up to defend his title for the first time on UFC 308 against former champion Max Holloway. After which there is no clear contender knocking down the door for a title shot. Except for Alexander Volkanovski, the man whom ‘El Matador’ defeated earlier this year to become champ. And while many will argue that ‘Volk’, given all of his achievements should in fact be next to fight the winner of Topuria-Holloway, an official #1 contender bout against Lopes may not be out of the question. Or, the UFC may choose to infuse some young blood into the title picture and give the Brazilian a title shot next. What are your thoughts on Diego Lopes fighting for the title in his next fight?