Brian Ortega has already fought for the featherweight title twice. As such, it does not look like ‘T-City’ will be taking a third swing at the title anytime soon. His upcoming fight against Diego Lopes will likely be his final showdown at the 145lb weight class. In a recent interview, he talked about why he would likely move up to 155lbs than compete for the featherweight title again.
Brian Ortega recently did an interview with MMA Junkie. During their discussion, Ortega talked about his chances of a potential title shot anytime soon.
There’s no title fight for me anytime soon because of what’s going on in the game. Max has a guaranteed title shot and Volkanovski does, as well.
Brian Ortega on MMA Junkie
Ortega explained that when Ilia Topuria does fight, he would fight Max Holloway. If the BMF champion wins, he will take on Alexander Volkanovski for the fourth time and this will likely happen next year. Meanwhile, if Topuria wins, he would have to take on Alexander Volkanovski for his rematch. Ortega would still have to wait until next year. This is something “T-City” isn’t willing to do, and hence is contemplating a move to lightweight.
Brian Ortega tells @MikeBohn he’ll move to lightweight following #UFC303 after coming to terms with his place at 145 pounds.
“There’s no title fight for me anytime soon because of what’s going on in the game. … You have to make peace with reality.” pic.twitter.com/fq3EPXXL1M
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) June 23, 2024
The UFC’s upcoming event at The Sphere is one of the biggest and most exciting events lined up this year. Ortega revealed that he will likely be a part of that. He said that the promotion does not want him fighting contenders and there are not any suitable matchups for him at his weight class. So Ortega revealed that he has decided to move up to the lightweight division.
The main reason behind Brian Ortega taking on Diego Lopes at UFC 303
The UFC 303 fight card has undergone a lot of changes in the past two weeks. One of the major changes was the short-notice matchup between Brian Ortega and Diego Lopes for the co-main event. Reportedly, ‘T-City’ had already decided to move up to lightweight. So why did he take up this fight?
BJJ stalwarts Diego Lopes and Brian Ortega fight next at UFC 303 (Source: IMAGO/Instagram)Ortega last fought and defeated Yari Rodriguez in a fantastic fashion. However, the featherweight division is full of talented fighters vying for the title. During his interview with MMA Junkie, Ortega told Mike Bohn the main reason he accepted his upcoming fight.
I am fighting for a bigger cause this time. That is kind of what fuelled me on this fight. To help a lot of men bro, I am going to use the money and I am going to give it to church and I am going to help a lot of men. Uh, $100,000. It is basically the main reason why I accepted the fight.
Brian Ortega on MMA Junkie
Ortega talked about raising money and his intentions to donate the $100,000 to the Fearless Church in Los Angeles. He mentioned attending this so-called, ‘man camp’ which inspired him to do so, so that other men get to have the same experience. A fighter with a philanthropic side will always benefit society at large.
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