Brian Ortega looking to give back.
UFC Featherweight contender Brian “T-City” Ortega put on an outstanding performance Saturday at UFC Fresno, submitting top contender Cub Swanson with a guillotine in the second round. After the fight, Ortega did something unusual, he waived off the invitation to call for a title shot, saying that Frankie Edgar deserves it before him.
Brian Ortega (13-0) has finished every UFC fight he has been in, most of them in the third round. His nickname “T-City” stands for “Triangle City” as he was known for his triangle choke submission while being reared by Rener Gracie at the Gracie Academy in Torrance. His submissions are arguably the most dangerous aspect of his game, but his striking is improving quickly. He looked comfortable against Swanson on the feet and owns knockout wins over Thiago Tavares and Clay Guida.
One shadow which still looms over Ortega’s career appeared in 2014 after a victory over Mike De La Torre, when Ortega tested positive for drostanolone, an anabolic steroid. The fight was ruled a no-contest; Ortega was fined $2,500 and suspended for nine months.
Champion of the division is Max “Blessed” Holloway, who recently defended his title for the first time against longtime champion Jose Aldo. Holloway was originally slated to fight former Lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, but Edgar was forced to withdrawal with an orbital injury. Now Ortega says he will wait for Frankie to have his shot. In his post-fight speech, Ortega even asked UFC boss Dana White for opportunities to do charity work as a UFC fighter.
“A lot of people don’t know but I’m trying to get the attention of someone who has a lot of money, so I can do a lot of charity work. I love helping kids. I love helping people who are down and out because I was down and out!”
He is one of several recent contenders who are reversing the trend of brash arrogance and drama which has dominated since Conor McGregor’s ascension. Brian Ortega also pocketed two extra $50,000 checks for Performance and Fight Of The Night.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
