Former UFC featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega is keen on fighting the divisional champion, Ilia Topuria. In an interview with Kanpai Media, Ortega mentioned that he has been training hard since his last outing against Yair Rodriguez and is ready to take on a fight.
Ortega’s path to the title has been challenging. Despite two previously failed bids against Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, he remains determined to reach the pinnacle. However, Topuria has thrown a wrench into the works. The Georgian fighter has boldly claimed that he won’t grant title shots to Ortega, Holloway, or Yair Rodriguez—three contenders whom Volkanovski has already defeated during his reign as champion. Topuria’s stance has raised eyebrows, but Ortega is prepared to respond in kind.
Taking inspiration from his former rival, Max Holloway, Ortega has a clear strategy. He believes that if Topuria becomes the champion unwilling to take on all challengers, he’ll make sure to eliminate anyone else from the equation.
Brian Ortega is desperate to fight Ilia Topuria- “I’m going to take all the contenders away from you”
Brian Ortega stated, “You have to win the belt for that to happen. That was my first thought. Let’s say you do win, and you’re not going to give us a shot, then I’m going to make sure to ruin every contender. Simple as that. One, you have to win it. Two, I’m going to take all the contenders away from you… If you don’t want to fight us, then I’m going to take all your people”.
Brian Ortega wants to face Ilia Topuria next 👀#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/l5dQ7UmD2Y
— Sportskeeda MMA (@sportskeedaMMA) April 20, 2024
Brian Ortega closely relates to Topuria ahead of their potential clash. Both fighters were labeled as the next big things when they stepped up for their first UFC title shots. Ortega and Topuria, both dynamic and undefeated, faced arguably the greatest featherweights in history—Holloway and Volkanovski, respectively.
While Brian Ortega fell short in his first title fight, he acknowledges Topuria’s skill set. However, he believes that fighters like Volkanovski operate on a different level of chess, making these matchups truly exciting to watch.
As the UFC featherweight division awaits its next title contender, Brian Ortega throws his name into the mix. Whether it’s Topuria or another challenger, fans can expect fireworks when these featherweight titans collide inside the Octagon.