LAS VEGAS – Diego Lopes wanted to send a message to the entire featherweight division at UFC 306.

According to his own assessment after the battle, this mission had been accomplished.

“My goal was to send the message to the entire division that I’m a complete, well-rounded fighter,” Lopes told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight press conference. “I think I accomplished that. If I want to strike for 15 minutes, I’ll do it. If I want to wrestle for 15 minutes, I’ll do it. I think I left my message pretty clear tonight.”

Lopes (26-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) defeated perennial top contender Brian Ortega (16-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) by unanimous decision despite nearly finishing the fight with strikes. Ortega’s toughness was something he expected.

“I thought I had him when I landed the punch,” Lopes said. “But you know Brian Ortega, he’s a tough fighter. So we realized we had to take it slow.”

Lopes was born in Brazil, trained and lived in Mexico and proudly represents the country on the world stage. Despite the bright lights and unprecedented draw of Saturday’s event, Noche UFC at Sphere, Lopes shielded all the bright lights.

“What can I say? I’m a simple fighter, man,” Lopes said. “I was completely focused on my opponent. I wasn’t overwhelmed by the lights or anything. I didn’t see that. All I want to do now is go home, turn on the TV and enjoy the show that the UFC put on tonight.”

For more information on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 306.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Diego Lopes calls victory over Brian Ortega at UFC 306 “a message to the entire division”