The highly anticipated UFC 303 pay-per-view event’s co-main event features Brian Ortega versus Diego Lopes. ‘T-City’ is looking good before the fight and has devised a new training method. While fighters have always shocked fans with some ridiculous things they’ve done in training, Ortega presently takes the cake.
The UFC 303 had gone through some massive changes after the infamous Conor McGregor pullout. After that, Brian Ortega stepped in for a short-notice fight against Diego Lopes in the featherweight division. Amid all the chaos, Ortega was observed taping his mouth while training. According to the fighter, it helps him to stay calm.
Putting tape on my mouth so I don’t get too excited. The tape on my mouth keeps me mellow.
Brian Ortega via UFC 303 Embedded Episode 1
Ortega also explained how he met Dana White and Hunter Campbell during his visit to Texas. During the conversation, he received a good remark about his physique from the UFC CBO. However, as the fighter had thought he was then immediately offered to fight at the co-main event of UFC 303.
🤐 Brian Ortega trains with his mouth taped shut.
“Putting tape on my mouth so I don’t get too excited. The tape on my mouth keeps me 🫳… mellow.”
🎥 UFC Embedded #UFC303 #UFC #MMA 🔹 pic.twitter.com/K1oqmblIhd
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) June 24, 2024
Other than McGregor, Jamahal Hill also pulled out from the co-main fight at UFC 303. According to the former light heavyweight champ, he tore his meniscus and had a sprained ACL. It was a desperate situation for the promotion and it seems like Ortega vs. Lopes was the best replacement. However, the UFC top brass might be the reason behind Ortega’s potential move to the lightweight division.
Brian Ortega discloses discussion with UFC top brass for his lightweight move
Brian Ortega has fought for the UFC featherweight title twice in the past and fell short both times. The first time was against Max Holloway and in the second try, he fought Alexander Volkanovski. In the Volkanovski fight, Ortega came close with a nasty guillotine but it wasn’t enough for the Aussie. However, Ortega now has confirmed that he doesn’t want to compete in the featherweight division.
Brain Ortega discusses with UFC top brass about his lightweight move (via Imago/X)During an interview with MMA Junkie, Ortega revealed talking to UFC top brass about his future. According to the fighter, he had no one to fight in his division and it led to him deciding to move up.
They told me my weight class had no one that they wanted me to fight. They didn’t really want me to fight contenders and stuff, so I decided to move to 155
Brian Ortega via MMA Junkie
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
Ortega revealed that following his fight with Lopes, he will go up to lightweight. He claimed that the current champion, Ilia Topuria‘s featherweight reign is unclear because he has an increasing number of options. This includes a potential rematch with the former champion Alexander Volkanovski and with the BMF champion Max Holloway. Considering all this, it seems like Ortega doesn’t want to wait around much and is eager to take on new challenges.
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