Career Timeline of Brian Ortega: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Brian Ortega built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Brian Ortega is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Featherweight division. He has been a professional fighter since 2010 and previously held the Featherweight Championship in the RFA. As of October 1, 2024, he is ranked #6 in the UFC featherweight rankings.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

April 2014: Signed with UFC

In April 2014, Brian Ortega signed with the UFC after compiling an undefeated record of 8-0. He credited his success to James Luhrsen and Rener Gracie.

May 31, 2014: Pulled from The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale

On May 31, 2014, Brian Ortega was expected to debut against Diego Brandão at The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale, but Brandão pulled out due to injury. Ortega was also pulled from the card.

July 26, 2014: UFC Debut and Suspension

On July 26, 2014, Brian Ortega made his UFC debut at UFC on Fox 12 against Mike De La Torre. Originally winning by submission, the result was changed to "No Contest" after Ortega tested positive for drostanolone. Subsequently, Ortega was fined $2,500 and suspended for nine months.

June 6, 2015: Fight of the Night Honors

On June 6, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 68, Brian Ortega faced Thiago Tavares, winning via TKO in the third round. Both fighters were awarded Fight of the Night honors.

January 2, 2016: Victory Against Diego Brandão

On January 2, 2016, at UFC 195, Brian Ortega faced Diego Brandão. After struggling in the first two rounds, Ortega rallied and won via triangle choke in the third round.

June 4, 2016: KO Victory Against Clay Guida

On June 4, 2016, at UFC 199, Brian Ortega defeated Clay Guida by KO in the third round after rallying near the end of the round with a flying knee.

October 1, 2016: Pulled Out of Fight Against Hacran Dias

On October 1, 2016, Brian Ortega was scheduled to face Hacran Dias at UFC Fight Night 96. However, Ortega pulled out of the fight in early September due to undisclosed reasons.

July 29, 2017: Fight of the Night Bonus

On July 29, 2017, at UFC 214, Brian Ortega faced Renato Moicano, winning via submission in the third round with a guillotine choke. Both fighters were awarded a Fight of the Night bonus.

December 9, 2017: Victory Against Cub Swanson

On December 9, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 123, Brian Ortega defeated Cub Swanson via guillotine choke submission in the second round, earning him the Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night honors.

March 3, 2018: Knockout Victory Against Frankie Edgar

On March 3, 2018, at UFC 222, Brian Ortega defeated Frankie Edgar via knockout in the first round, becoming the first person to ever finish Edgar in MMA. This win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus.

July 7, 2018: Holloway Pulled From Fight

On July 7, 2018, Brian Ortega was scheduled to face Max Holloway for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 226. However, on July 4, Holloway was pulled from the fight due to "concussion like symptoms", and Ortega's fight was scratched after Holloway's withdrawal.

December 8, 2018: Loss Against Max Holloway

On December 8, 2018, Brian Ortega faced Max Holloway at UFC 231 for the Featherweight Championship. Ortega lost the fight by doctor stoppage at the end of the fourth round, but the fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.

December 21, 2019: Pulled Out of Fight Against Chan Sung Jung

On December 21, 2019, Brian Ortega was scheduled to face Chan Sung Jung at UFC on ESPN+ 23. However, Ortega pulled out of the fight in early December citing a knee injury.

October 18, 2020: Victory Against Chan Sung Jung

On October 18, 2020, Brian Ortega faced Chan Sung Jung at UFC Fight Night: Ortega vs. The Korean Zombie. Ortega won the fight by unanimous decision.

March 27, 2021: UFC 260 Fight Cancelled

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

April 2, 2021: Coaching Role on The Ultimate Fighter 29

On April 2, 2021, it was announced that Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega would be the coaches for The Ultimate Fighter 29 at ESPN+, featuring contestants at bantamweight and middleweight.

September 25, 2021: Loss to Alexander Volkanovski

On September 25, 2021, at UFC 266, Brian Ortega faced Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC Featherweight Championship. He lost the fight via unanimous decision, but the fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.

July 16, 2022: Loss to Yair Rodriguez

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

February 24, 2024: Victory Against Yair Rodriguez

On February 24, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 237, Brian Ortega rematched against Yair Rodríguez. Ortega won the fight via arm-triangle submission in the third round, earning him another Performance of the Night award.

June 29, 2024: Withdrawal from bout at UFC 303

On June 29, 2024, Brian Ortega was scheduled to face Diego Lopes in a Lightweight bout at UFC 303, but withdrew from the bout due to an illness and was replaced at the last minute by Dan Ige.