Jon Anik has outlined a potential path towards a title shot for the #3 ranked featherweight contender.
UFC fan favourite commentator Anik has weighed in with his thoughts on who he wants to see ‘T-City’ take on in his next challenge. Hype around Ortega has resurfaced this week, following his convincing third round arm triangle victory over Yair Rodriguez at UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Royval 2. ‘T-City’s’ triumph over the Mexican native saw his ranking rise to the #3 spot, trailing only behind the prolific Max Holloway and former champion Alex Volkanovski.
UFC Commentator Jon Anik Discusses Featherweight Title Contention
Ortega’s win over Rodriguez did not come without it’s challenges. During what was already a grueling fight camp, T-City was blighted by a significant cut above his right eye, just 3 weeks out of his bout with the Mexican native.
Such a victory over a much maligned opponent in Rodriguez has seen one side of a divided MMA fanbase call for another shot at the title for T-City, with the other believing another victory over another ranked opponent is required before making a claim for Ilia Topuria’s recently claimed gold. In a recent podcast episode, Jon Anik weighed in with his views over what should come next for Ortega.
Anik’s Verdict on T-City’s Future
“Perhaps Brian Ortega will be next, I’d like to see Brian Ortega fight Movsar Evloev. I think that is the fight to make as a five-round main event as a championship title eliminator. I think a lot of the questions have to do with the calendar and getting a venue in Spain and Alexander Volkanovski’s desire to take some time off or turn around quickly, but Kenny, correct me if I’m wrong, not out of the realm of possibility that on the strength of this win this weekend, that Brian Ortega has set up a date with Ilia Topuria for the undisputed UFC featherweight title.”
Jon Anik speaking on MMA News
It seems in Anik’s view that Ortega still has some proving ground to cover before taking on the Champion Ilia Topuria. A win over #5 ranked Evloev, fresh from a unanimous decision win over Arnold Allen at UFC 297, would surely see T-City secure his spot in a contest for featherweight gold with the recently crowned Spaniard.
Despite inference of an immediate rematch between fallen champion Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria, many are vying for ‘The Great’ to take a well earned break following his devastating 2nd round knockout loss at UFC 298 that saw the belt change hands. It seems to Anik, as quoted above, that Brian Ortega may get his call sooner than first thought on the basis of no immediate rematch for the title.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
