Brian Ortega, often referred to as one of the most dynamic and skilled grapplers in mixed martial arts (MMA), has carved out an incredible career in the UFC. With a distinctive fighting style that blends his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) mastery and striking skills, Ortega has become one of the most exciting figures in the UFC’s featherweight division. Known for his resilience, determination, and innovative fight techniques, Brian Ortega has captured the hearts of MMA fans worldwide.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Brian Ortega’s life, career, fighting style, and more, answering some of the most frequently asked questions about him, including what makes him stand out in the crowded featherweight division. We’ll also explore his biggest career moments, his losses and triumphs, and what the future holds for this exciting fighter.

Early Life and Background

Born on February 21, 1991, in Los Angeles, California, Brian Ortega grew up in a tough neighborhood. Raised by Mexican immigrant parents, Ortega’s life was often shaped by the struggles of growing up in an environment where violence and gang activity were prevalent. However, Ortega found his way out of this environment through martial arts.

At the age of 12, Ortega began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) after being inspired by a friend who introduced him to the sport. Little did he know that this decision would change the course of his life forever. Ortega’s passion for BJJ grew quickly, and within a few years, he was training at the world-renowned Gracie Barra gym in Torrance, California.

In his early BJJ career, Ortega was already making a name for himself by winning various local competitions. His relentless pursuit of mastery in the sport was evident, and it wasn’t long before he transitioned to MMA, where he would begin a meteoric rise that would eventually land him in the UFC.

Entering the World of MMA

Brian Ortega made his MMA debut in 2010, quickly showcasing his grappling and striking skills. Ortega’s background in BJJ set him apart from many of his competitors, and he began gaining recognition for his submission victories and dynamic fight finishes. His early career included several impressive finishes, quickly earning him a spot on the regional MMA circuit.

Ortega’s early MMA career was a testament to his BJJ proficiency. However, as he progressed, he realized that to become a complete fighter, he needed to add more elements to his game. Ortega worked tirelessly to improve his striking and overall MMA strategy, which would later serve him well in his UFC career.

By 2014, Ortega’s efforts were recognized by the UFC, and he was officially signed to the promotion. His debut came on November 15, 2014, at UFC 180, where he faced veteran fighter Diego Brandão. The fight marked the beginning of what would become an unforgettable journey in the UFC.

UFC Debut and the Rise of Brian Ortega

Brian Ortega’s UFC debut was nothing short of spectacular. In his first fight, Ortega faced Diego Brandão at UFC 180 in Mexico City. Despite being relatively unknown at the time, Ortega impressed fans and analysts with his performance, submitting Brandão in the third round via rear-naked choke. The win showcased Ortega’s superior grappling and finishing ability, earning him a Performance of the Night bonus.

The Rise Through the Featherweight Division

After his impressive debut, Ortega continued to climb the UFC’s featherweight rankings, defeating several talented opponents along the way. He quickly became known as one of the most dangerous submission artists in the division, with his ability to finish fights both on the ground and in the clinch setting him apart from other fighters.

Ortega’s first big test came in December 2016, when he faced veteran fighter and former featherweight title contender, Cub Swanson, at UFC Fight Night 123. Ortega’s skills were once again on full display, as he secured a dominant victory with a third-round submission. His performance earned him widespread acclaim, and many began to see him as a potential title contender.

Ortega’s next challenge came in 2018, when he faced the reigning UFC Featherweight Champion, Max Holloway, at UFC 231. The fight would be one of the defining moments of Ortega’s career, showcasing both his heart and determination.

The Fight Against Max Holloway: A Defining Moment

In December 2018, Brian Ortega faced Max Holloway for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 231 in Toronto, Canada. Holloway, regarded as one of the best featherweight fighters of all time, was on an impressive winning streak and was looking to defend his title.

From the beginning of the fight, Ortega found himself in a difficult position. Holloway’s striking was fast, precise, and relentless. Ortega struggled to keep up with the pace of Holloway, who consistently landed devastating combinations. Despite being on the receiving end of a brutal beating, Ortega never gave up and continued to press forward, trying to find an opening for his grappling.

In the fourth round, Ortega suffered a broken nose and a series of significant strikes that led to the referee stopping the fight, awarding Holloway the victory via TKO. While Ortega lost the fight, his resilience and toughness earned him respect from fans and fellow fighters. The fight also showed that Ortega had room to improve his striking game, which he would later focus on in future camps.

Rebounding From Adversity: The Return to Form

Following his loss to Holloway, Ortega took time off to recover and reassess his approach to MMA. During his time away from the octagon, Ortega focused heavily on improving his striking and conditioning. He worked with world-class coaches, including renowned boxing trainer Jason Parillo, to refine his skills and address the areas where he had struggled during his fight with Holloway.

Brian Ortega’s return to the octagon came in 2020, when he faced another top contender in the featherweight division, Chan Sung Jung, also known as “The Korean Zombie,” at UFC Fight Night 180. The fight marked a crucial point in Ortega’s career, as it would determine if he could truly bounce back from his previous setback and improve his standing in the featherweight division.

Jimmy Crute vs. Chan Sung Jung: Ortega’s Career Resurgence

In October 2020, Ortega squared off against Chan Sung Jung in a highly anticipated battle at UFC Fight Night 180. Many considered the fight a crossroads moment in Ortega’s career if he could defeat Jung, it would put him back in title contention.

Ortega surprised fans and analysts alike with his improved striking, which had been a weakness in his earlier career. Not only did he outstrike Jung, but Ortega also showcased his superior grappling skills when the fight went to the ground. Ortega won the fight via unanimous decision in a dominant performance, earning his first victory since his title fight against Holloway. The win earned Ortega a Performance of the Night bonus and catapulted him to a title shot against the current champion, Alexander Volkanovski.

Brian Ortega vs. Alexander Volkanovski: The Ultimate Test

In September 2021, Brian Ortega faced Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 266. Volkanovski, who had been dominating the featherweight division with a mix of elite striking, wrestling, and control, was widely considered one of the best fighters in the world.

Ortega came into the fight as the underdog, with many analysts believing that Volkanovski’s all-around game would be too much for the challenger. However, Ortega’s resilience and adaptability were on full display. Throughout the fight, Ortega was able to threaten Volkanovski with his submission attempts, particularly in the third round when he nearly secured a guillotine choke and a triangle choke.

Despite Ortega’s efforts, Volkanovski’s superior striking, cardio, and ability to escape submission attempts ultimately led to him defending his title successfully via unanimous decision. Ortega’s performance, however, was still highly regarded, and he earned a lot of respect for his ability to push one of the best featherweights in the world to the limit.

Fighting Style: The BJJ Maestro

Brian Ortega is renowned for his exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) skills, which are considered his greatest strength in MMA. He is a black belt under Rener Gracie, one of the most respected figures in the BJJ community. Ortega’s grappling is incredibly technical, and he is known for his ability to submit opponents from virtually any position.

In addition to his BJJ, Ortega has also developed a strong striking game, incorporating boxing and Muay Thai into his fighting style. While he has been criticized for his striking in the past, his fight against Chan Sung Jung demonstrated that he had made significant improvements in that area. Ortega’s ability to adapt and develop his skills has been a key factor in his success in the UFC.

What’s Next for Brian Ortega?

Brian Ortega is still one of the top contenders in the UFC featherweight division. While he came up short in his title bid against Volkanovski, Ortega’s ability to improve and adapt means that he is far from finished. With his youth, skill set, and dedication to evolving as a fighter, Ortega will remain a force in the division for years to come.

The future of Ortega’s career may include another title shot, depending on how he performs in his upcoming fights. Fans are eager to see whether Ortega can continue his ascent or whether he will face additional challenges in his quest to become UFC featherweight champion.

FAQs

What happened in Brian Ortega’s fight with Alexander Volkanovski?

Brian Ortega faced Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 266 for the UFC Featherweight Championship. Ortega put up a valiant effort, particularly in the grappling exchanges, where he nearly submitted Volkanovski in multiple rounds. However, Volkanovski survived and ultimately won the fight by unanimous decision, successfully defending his title.

Has Brian Ortega fought Conor McGregor?

As of now, Brian Ortega has not fought Conor McGregor. While McGregor has competed in the lightweight and featherweight divisions, Ortega has not yet crossed paths with the former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight Champion. Fans have speculated about a potential matchup, but there has been no official fight announcement.

What is Brian Ortega’s background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Ortega began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at a young age. He eventually earned his black belt under Rener Gracie, part of the renowned Gracie family, who are pioneers in BJJ. His grappling skills have made him a dangerous opponent in the octagon, particularly in submission-heavy situations.

Has Brian Ortega ever faced a setback in his career?

Yes, Brian Ortega faced a setback in his career when he suffered a loss to Max Holloway in a title fight at UFC 231. Despite being a skilled fighter, Ortega struggled against Holloway’s striking. He later bounced back from that loss with impressive performances against top contenders.

What are Brian Ortega’s goals for the future?

Ortega’s primary goal is to become UFC Featherweight Champion. He has expressed a desire to work on all aspects of his game, particularly his striking, to be more well-rounded in the octagon. He also has aspirations to leave a legacy as one of the greatest fighters of his generation.

In Summary

Brian Ortega’s journey through the world of MMA has been one filled with ups and downs, but his heart, determination, and evolving skill set have made him one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC. With a strong foundation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, combined with his striking improvements, Ortega is a legitimate contender in the UFC featherweight division.

Fans are eagerly waiting to see what’s next for Ortega, and with his resilience, he is sure to remain a top figure in MMA for years to come. Whether he secures a title shot or faces new challenges in the division, Brian Ortega’s legacy in the sport is far from over.

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