Securing his first victory inside the Octagon in four years, former two-time featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega showcased resilience and skill in an impressive comeback at UFC Mexico City. Co-headlining the event, Ortega faced off in a rematch against former interim champion Yair Rodríguez, delivering a memorable performance that has reignited talks of championship contention.
Ranked number four in the featherweight division, Ortega endured a challenging opening round against Rodríguez, weathering a barrage of strikes that resulted in two knockdowns. However, he showcased his trademark resilience and determination, bouncing back in the subsequent rounds to dominate his opponent.
In a dramatic turn of events, Ortega seized control in the second frame, demonstrating superior grappling and ground control. This momentum carried into the third round, where he ultimately secured victory with an arm-triangle submission, marking his first win since 2020.
Brian Ortega Calls for Featherweight Title Shot With Ilia Topuria
Reflecting on his triumph, Ortega expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete and acknowledged the challenges he has faced in recent years:
“Volk (Alexander Volkanovski) was a great champ,” Ortega stated during the post-fight media briefing: “For people to kick him down right now, I find it disrespectful for everything that he’s done. If (Volkanovski) decides that he does not want to fight and chill, I’m more than happy to go to Spain.”
Looking ahead, Ortega welcomes the prospect of a title clash with newly-crowned champion Ilia Topuria. Topuria recently made headlines with a stunning victory over Volkanovski, delivering a second-round knockout that sent shockwaves through the featherweight division. Despite the prospect of traveling to Spain for the bout, Ortega remains undeterred, embracing the challenge and opportunity for championship glory.
The matchup between Ortega and Topuria promises to be an exciting showdown between two highly-skilled athletes who are hungry for featherweight supremacy. While Ortega acknowledges the accomplishments of Volkanovski and respects his contributions to the division, he is eager to pursue his own aspirations of capturing the title.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
