Brian Ortega
Ortega interviewed in 2018
Born (1991-02-21) February 21, 1991
Los Angeles, California, United States
NicknameT-City
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Weight145 lb (66 kg; 10 st 5 lb)
DivisionFeatherweight
Lightweight
Reach69 in (175 cm)[1]
Fighting out ofTorrance, California, United States
TeamBlack Belt Surfing
Black House MMA (formerly)[2]
Gracie University HQ (2004–present)[3][4]
Huntington Beach Ultimate Training Center (2019–present)[5]
TrainerRener Gracie[6]
Rank1st degree BJJ black belt[lower-alpha 1][3][7]
Years active2010–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total19
Wins15
By knockout3
By submission7
By decision5
Losses3
By knockout2
By decision1
No contests1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Brian Ortega (born February 21, 1991) is an American professional mixed martial artist. A first degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt,[lower-alpha 1] Ortega currently competes in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional since 2010, Ortega has also competed in the RFA, where he was the Featherweight Champion. As of December 19, 2023, he is #3 in the UFC featherweight rankings.[9]

Background

Brian Martin Ortega was born on February 21, 1991, in Los Angeles, California. Ortega has both American and Mexican citizenships as his parents came from Hermosillo, Sonora in Mexico.[10][11] He grew up in a Section 8 housing project of San Pedro, California.[12]

When Ortega was 13 he began learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu after his father enlisted him at the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Torrance, California. Ortega started training under head coach Rener Gracie who saw great potential in him.[13] After Ortega's father decided to stop his son's training due to financial difficulties, Gracie took over the tuition fees.[6] Ortega received his BJJ black belt and the nickname "T-City" (from his use of triangle choke) from Gracie.[14]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

When Ortega was 17, he met boxing coach James Luhrsen, who trained him in striking skills to complete the ground work Ortega was learning with Gracie.[12] Ortega began his career competing for regional promotions exclusively in Southern California.[15] He won his first pro-MMA championship against Carlos Garces in a five-round bout via unanimous decision, becoming the Respect in the Cage featherweight champion.[16]

Ortega went on to compile an undefeated record of 8–0 before signing with the UFC in April 2014.[17] He credited his success to support and love from James Luhrsen and Rener Gracie.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Ortega was expected to make his promotional debut against Diego Brandão on May 31, 2014, at The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale.[18] However, Brandao pulled out of the bout in the days leading up to the event citing an injury. Due to the late nature of the change, officials did not try to find a replacement and Ortega was pulled from the card as well.[19]

Ortega eventually made his debut on July 26, 2014, at UFC on Fox 12 against Mike De La Torre.[20] Originally, a first round submission (rear-naked choke) win for Ortega, the result was changed to "No Contest" after Ortega tested positive for drostanolone during a post fight screening. Subsequently, Ortega was fined $2,500 and suspended for nine months.[21][22]

Ortega faced Thiago Tavares on June 6, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 68.[23] He won the back-and-forth fight via TKO in the third round.[24] Both participants were awarded Fight of the Night honors.[25]

Ortega faced Diego Brandão, who is a second-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, on January 2, 2016, at UFC 195.[26] After being down against Diego's striking for the first two rounds, Ortega rallied and won via triangle choke in the third round.[27]

At UFC 199 on June 4, 2016, Ortega defeated Clay Guida by KO in the third round. After winning the first round, Guida won the second round and looked to have the third won until Ortega rallied and won via a flying knee near the end of the round.[28]

Ortega was expected to face Hacran Dias on October 1, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 96.[29] However, Ortega pulled out of the fight in early September and was replaced by Andre Fili.[30]

Ortega next faced Renato Moicano on July 29, 2017, at UFC 214.[31] He won the back and forth fight via submission in the third round with a guillotine choke,[32] while both fighters were awarded Fight of the Night bonus.[33]

Ortega faced Cub Swanson on December 9, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 123.[34] He was victorious in the fight, winning in the second round by guillotine choke submission. The finish put Ortega's streak at five straight fights won with a finish, which at the time was the second longest current win streak in the UFC featherweight division behind the champion, Max Holloway.[35] The win also earned him the Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night honors.[36]

Ortega faced Frankie Edgar on March 3, 2018, at UFC 222.[37] He won the fight via knockout in the first round. In doing so, he became the first man to ever finish Edgar in MMA.[38] This win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus.[39]

Ortega was scheduled to face Max Holloway for the UFC Featherweight Championship on July 7, 2018, at UFC 226.[40] However, on July 4, Holloway was pulled from the fight due to "concussion like symptoms".[41] Hence, Ortega scratched from the fight after Holloway's withdrawal.[42]

The fight against Max Holloway eventually took place on December 8, 2018, in the main event at UFC 231.[43] Ortega lost the fight by doctor stoppage at the end of the fourth round.[44] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[45]

Ortega was scheduled to face Chan Sung Jung on December 21, 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 23.[46] However, Ortega pulled out of the fight in early December citing a knee injury.[47] The bout against Jung eventually took place on October 18, 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Ortega vs. The Korean Zombie.[48] Dropping Jung multiple times, Ortega won the one sided match by unanimous decision.[49]

Ortega was scheduled for a UFC Featherweight Championship bout against current UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski on March 27, 2021, at UFC 260.[50] However, the fight was cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols.[51]

On April 2, 2021, it was announced that Alexander Volkanovski and Ortega would be the coaches for The Ultimate Fighter 29 at ESPN+ and the show will feature contestants at bantamweight and middleweight.[52]

Ortega faced Alexander Volkanovski on September 25, 2021, at UFC 266 for the UFC Featherweight Championship.[53] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[54] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[55]

Ortega faced Yair Rodríguez on July 16, 2022, at UFC on ABC 3.[56] He lost the fight via TKO at the end of the first round after suffering a dislocated shoulder which rendered him unable to continue.[57]

After a year and a half layoff, Ortega is scheduled to return to rematch against Yair Rodríguez on February 24, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 237.[58]

Championships and accomplishments

Controversies

UFC 248 incident

On March 8, 2020, a police report was filed against Ortega for allegedly slapping rapper Jay Park, translator for Jung Chan-sung (Korean Zombie), at UFC 248.[65][66]

Personal life

Ortega has two sons.[67] He was engaged to fellow UFC fighter Tracy Cortez.[68]

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
19 matches 15 wins 3 losses
By knockout 3 2
By submission 7 0
By decision 5 1
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 15–3 (1) Yair Rodríguez TKO (shoulder injury) UFC on ABC: Ortega vs. Rodríguez July 16, 2022 1 4:11 Elmont, New York, United States
Loss 15–2 (1) Alexander Volkanovski Decision (unanimous) UFC 266 September 25, 2021 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States For the UFC Featherweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win 15–1 (1) Jung Chan-sung Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Ortega vs. The Korean Zombie October 18, 2020 5 5:00 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Loss 14–1 (1) Max Holloway TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC 231 December 8, 2018 4 5:00 Toronto, Ontario, Canada For the UFC Featherweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win 14–0 (1) Frankie Edgar KO (punch) UFC 222 March 3, 2018 1 4:44 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States UFC featherweight title eliminator. Performance of the Night.
Win 13–0 (1) Cub Swanson Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega December 9, 2017 2 3:22 Fresno, California, United States Performance of the Night. Fight of the Night.
Win 12–0 (1) Renato Moicano Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 214 July 29, 2017 3 2:59 Anaheim, California, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 11–0 (1) Clay Guida KO (knee) UFC 199 June 4, 2016 3 4:40 Inglewood, California, United States
Win 10–0 (1) Diego Brandão Submission (triangle choke) UFC 195 January 2, 2016 3 1:37 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 9–0 (1) Thiago Tavares TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Boetsch vs. Henderson June 6, 2015 3 4:10 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Fight of the Night.
NC 8–0 (1) Mike De La Torre NC (overturned) UFC on Fox: Lawler vs. Brown July 26, 2014 1 1:39 San Jose, California, United States Originally a submission (rear-naked choke) win for Ortega; overturned after he tested positive for drostanolone.
Win 8–0 Keoni Koch Decision (split) RFA 12 January 24, 2014 5 5:00 Los Angeles, California, United States Won the RFA Featherweight Championship.
Win 7–0 Jordan Rinaldi Submission (triangle choke) RFA 9 August 6, 2013 3 2:29 Pomona, California, United States
Win 6–0 Thomas Guimond Submission (triangle choke) Respect in the Cage 20 May 4, 2013 1 4:02 Pomona, California, United States Defended the RTC Featherweight Championship.
Win 5–0 Carlos Garces Decision (unanimous) Respect in the Cage 10 March 12, 2011 5 5:00 Pomona, California, United States Won the RTC Featherweight Championship.
Win 4–0 Chris Mercado Decision (unanimous) Respect in the Cage 9 January 15, 2011 3 5:00 Pomona, California, United States
Win 3–0 Vincent Martinez Submission (rear-naked choke) Respect in the Cage 5 July 24, 2010 1 1:54 Los Angeles, California, United States
Win 2–0 Brady Harrison Decision (unanimous) Gladiator Challenge: Bad Behaviour June 27, 2010 3 5:00 San Jacinto, California, United States
Win 1–0 John Sassone Submission (triangle choke) Gladiator Challenge: Maximum Force April 25, 2010 1 1:48 San Jacinto, California, United States

[69]

Pay-per-view bouts

No. Event Fight Date City Venue PPV Buys
1. UFC 231 Holloway vs. Ortega December 8, 2018 Toronto, Ontario, Canada Scotiabank Arena 300,000[70]
2. UFC 266 Volkanovski vs. Ortega September 25, 2021 Paradise, Nevada, United States T-Mobile Arena Not Disclosed[71]

See also

Notes

References

  1. ↑ "Brian Ortega Biography".
  2. ↑ "Black House MMA Brian Ortega Profile". Archived from the original on 2012-02-16. Retrieved 2012-02-28.
  3. 1 2 3 "Certified Gracies Jiu-Jitsu Belt Holders". gracieacademy.com. Archived from the original on October 10, 2018. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  4. ↑ "BRIAN "T-CITY" ORTEGA AWARDED "HISPANIC ATHLETE OF THE YEAR"". lfafighting.com. Legacy Fighting Alliance. 2018-02-06. Archived from the original on 2018-06-15. Retrieved 2018-06-15.
  5. ↑ Farah Hannoun (September 5, 2020). "Brian Ortega opens up about changes made ahead of Chan Sung Jung fight". MMAjunkie.com.
  6. 1 2 Mitra, Anurag (2020-10-18). "Rener Gracie introduces the world to "T-city 2.0"". Sportskeeda.
  7. ↑ @briantcity (10 December 2019). "Received a 1st degree on my black belt last night". Retrieved 26 September 2020 – via Instagram.
  8. ↑ @briantcity (10 December 2019). "Received a 1st degree on my black belt last night". Retrieved 26 September 2020 – via Instagram.
  9. ↑ "UFC Rankings, Division Rankings, P4P rankings, UFC Champions". UFC.com. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  10. ↑ Del Campo, Rodrigo (2016-05-31). "BRIAN ORTEGA: UNA ESTRELLA A PUNTO DE ESTALLAR". ufc.com. Ultimate Fighting Championship. Retrieved 2018-06-15.
  11. ↑ Flores, Edgar (2016-06-02). "'SOY UN MEXICANO ORGULLOSO DE LUCHAR': BRIAN ORTEGA". record.com.mx. Record. Retrieved 2018-06-15.
  12. 1 2 GracieBreakdown (2017-09-14). The Brian Ortega Story (Fox Sports 1). Retrieved 2017-09-16.
  13. ↑ Martin, Brian (3 Jul 2018). "Brian Ortega, with Rener Gracie in his corner, embraces opportunity at UFC 226". Orange County Register.
  14. ↑ Mariani, Daniel (14 Jul 2022). ""These monsters are getting tapped out" – Brian Ortega's coach details the origins of 'T-City'". Sportskeeda.
  15. ↑ Sherdog >> Fighter Profile >> Brian Ortega URL accessed on October 11, 2011.
  16. ↑ Respect in the Cage Featured Fighters. URL accessed on October 11, 2011.
  17. ↑ Zane Simon (2014-04-08). "Welcome to the UFC Brian Ortega". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2014-04-08.
  18. ↑ Ivan Raupp (2014-04-08). "Diego Brandão enfrenta o estreante Brian Ortega no TUF Brasil 3 Finale (Brazilian Portuguese)". sportv.globo.com. Retrieved 2014-04-08.
  19. ↑ Guilherme Cruz (2014-05-19). "Diego Brandao injured, TUF: Brazil 3 Finale bout with Brian Ortega scratched". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2013-05-19.
  20. ↑ Dana Becker (2014-06-12). "UFC on FOX 12 picks up Brian Ortega-Mike De La Torre". fightline.com. Retrieved 2013-06-12.
  21. ↑ C.J. Tuttle (August 22, 2014). "Ex-RFA Champ Brian Ortega tests positive for anabolic steroids following UFC on Fox 12". sherdog.com. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
  22. ↑ Tristen Critchfield (August 23, 2014). "Brian Ortega apologizes for failed drug test at UFC on Fox 12". sherdog.com. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  23. ↑ Guilherme Cruz (May 5, 2015). "Thiago Tavares announces fight with Brian Ortega at UFC Fight Night 68". MMA Fighting. Retrieved May 5, 2015.
  24. ↑ Damon Martin (2015-06-06). "Brian Ortega TKO's Thiago Tavares in crowd pleasing battle". Fox Sports. Retrieved 2015-06-06.
  25. 1 2 Matt Erickson (2015-06-07). "UFC Fight Night 68 bonuses: Dustin Poirier gets $50,000 in front of home fans". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-06-07.
  26. ↑ Staff (2015-11-14). "Brian Ortega vs. Diego Brandao added to UFC 195 in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-11-14.
  27. ↑ Steven Marrocoo (2016-01-02). "UFC 195 results: Brian Ortega's sick jiu-jitsu leads to triangle choke of Diego Brandao". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-01-02.
  28. ↑ Dave Doley (2016-06-04). "UFC 199 results: Brian Ortega steals win from Clay Guida with last-minute knockout". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2016-06-05.
  29. ↑ Staff (2016-08-03). "Hacran Dias vs. Brian Ortega added to UFC Fight Night 96 in Portland". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-08-03.
  30. ↑ Staff (2016-09-12). "Brian Ortega withdraws from UFC Fight Night 96 in Portland". oregonlive.com. Retrieved 2016-09-12.
  31. ↑ Brian Martin (2017-05-26). "Brian Ortega returns at UFC 214 vs. Renato Moicano". dailynews.com. Retrieved 2017-05-26.
  32. ↑ "UFC 214 results: Brian Ortega earns record 4th straight win by 3rd-round finish vs. Renato Moicano". MMAjunkie. 2017-07-30. Retrieved 2017-07-31.
  33. 1 2 "UFC 214 bonuses: Jones, Ortega among $50K winners". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2017-07-31.
  34. ↑ Staff (2017-10-02). "Cub Swanson says he's headlining UFC Fight Night 123 against Brian Ortega". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-10-02.
  35. ↑ "UFC Fight Night 123 By the Numbers". Sherdog. December 10, 2017.
  36. 1 2 3 Staff (2017-12-10). "UFC Fight Night 123 bonuses: Brian Ortega's amazing performance doubles up for $100,000". MMAJunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-12-10.
  37. ↑ "Cris Cyborg vs. Yana Kunitskaya, Frankie Edgar vs. Brian Ortega scheduled for UFC 222". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2018-02-08.
  38. ↑ "Brian Ortega Pulls Off Shocking Knockout Win Over Edgar To Secure Title Shot". MMA News.
  39. 1 2 "UFC 222 bonuses: Brian Ortega, Alexander Hernandez easy choices for $50,000". MMAjunkie. 2018-03-04. Retrieved 2018-03-04.
  40. ↑ "Max Holloway to defend title vs. Brian Ortega at UFC 226 – Sportsnet.ca". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved 2018-04-21.
  41. ↑ "Max Holloway out of UFC 226, hospitalized with concussion-like symptoms". MMAjunkie. 2018-07-05. Retrieved 2018-07-05.
  42. ↑ "Brian Ortega scratched from UFC 226 after champ Max Holloway withdraws". MMAjunkie. 2018-07-05. Retrieved 2018-07-12.
  43. ↑ "Max Holloway vs. Brian Ortega In The Works for UFC 231". Cageside Press. 2018-08-25. Retrieved 2018-08-25.
  44. ↑ Doyle, Dave (2018-12-09). "UFC 231 results: Max Holloway defeats Brian Ortega in thrilling four-round war". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2019-02-25.
  45. 1 2 "UFC 231 bonuses: Max Holloway earns double after dominant title defense". MMAjunkie. 2018-12-09. Retrieved 2018-12-09.
  46. ↑ Martin, Damon (2019-09-23). "Brian Ortega vs. 'The Korean Zombie' Chan Sung Jung headlines UFC's return to South Korea". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2019-09-24.
  47. ↑ Damon Martin (2019-12-05). "Brian Ortega out of UFC Busan main event against 'Korean Zombie' Chan Sung Jung". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2019-12-05.
  48. ↑ Taylor, Chris (2020-08-15). "Breaking! Korean Zombie vs. Brian Ortega slated to main event October 17 UFC event". BJPenn.com. Retrieved 2020-08-16.
  49. ↑ Doherty, Dan (2020-10-17). "UFC Fight Island 6 Results: New-Look Brian Ortega Outclasses Korean Zombie". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2020-10-18.
  50. ↑ "Sechstes Kapitel: Kolonialisten vs. Kolonisierte – Europäer vs. Lateinamerikaner". Alexander von Humboldts Metaphysik der Erde. Peter Lang. 2013. doi:10.3726/978-3-653-03146-1/9. ISBN 978-3-631-63170-6. Retrieved 2021-01-17.
  51. ↑ Martin, Damon (2021-03-20). "Alexander Volkanovski out of UFC 260 due to COVID-19 protocols, fight against Brian Ortega to be rescheduled". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2021-03-21.
  52. ↑ "Volkanovski, Ortega named coaches for next TUF". ESPN. 2021-04-03. Retrieved 2021-04-03.
  53. ↑ "Alexander Volkanovski vs. Brian Ortega Official For UFC 266". MMA News. 2021-06-09. Retrieved 2021-06-14.
  54. ↑ Anderson, Jay (2021-09-26). "UFC 266 Results: Alexander Volkanovski Defeats Brian Ortega in All-Out War". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-09-26.
  55. 1 2 "UFC 266 bonuses: Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega's classic title fight among winners". MMA Junkie. 2021-09-26. Retrieved 2021-09-26.
  56. ↑ Nolan King (2022-05-26). "UFC books Brian Ortega vs. Yair Rodriguez as July 16 main event on Long Island". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2022-05-26.
  57. ↑ Anderson, Jay (2022-07-16). "UFC Long Island: Main Event Fizzles Due to Brian Ortega Injury, Yair Rodriguez Claims TKO Win". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-07-17.
  58. ↑ "Yair Rodriguez vs. Brian Ortega 2 co-headlines UFC Fight Night in Mexico City with five rounds". MMA Junkie. 2023-12-22. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  59. ↑ Bryan Tucker (July 4, 2018). "World MMA Awards 2018 Results". MMA Fighting.
  60. ↑ Mike Bohn (July 3, 2015). "MMAjunkie's 'Fight of the Month' for June: Featherweight bangers steal the show". MMAjunkie.com.
  61. ↑ Mike Bohn (October 5, 2021). "MMA Junkie's 'Fight of the Month' for September: UFC 266 delivers in a big way". MMAjunkie.com.
  62. ↑ Brett Okamoto (December 28, 2021). "Kamaru Usman, Julianna Peña highlight MMA's year: The top fighters, fight, finish and moments of 2021". ESPN.
  63. ↑ Patrick L. Stumberg (December 25, 2021). "UFC/MMA 'Fights of the Year' 2021 – Top 5 List". mmamania.com.
  64. ↑ Andrew Harbaugh (January 4, 2022). "2021 MMA Sucka Year End Awards". mmasucka.com.
  65. ↑ "Chan Sung Jung manager: Police report filed after alleged Brian Ortega slap at UFC 248". MMA Junkie. 2020-03-08. Retrieved 2020-03-09.
  66. ↑ Harkness, Ryan (2020-03-08). "Brian Ortega thrown out of UFC 248 after slapping K-Pop star Jay Park". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2020-03-09.
  67. ↑ "Brian Ortega's Parents and Children: Here's Everything You Need to Know About the UFC Star's Family". Sportsmanor.com. July 14, 2022. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
  68. ↑ ""We Understand Each Other's Work"- Brian Ortega Details His Dating Life With Tracy Cortez After Engagement". Sportsmanor.com. July 16, 2022. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
  69. ↑ "Brian". Sherdog. Retrieved 2021-09-26.
  70. ↑ "UFC 231: Holloway vs. Ortega | MMA Event". Tapology. Retrieved 2022-11-01.
  71. ↑ "UFC 266: Volkanovski vs. Ortega | MMA Event". Tapology.
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