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. Since turning pro in 2010, he has gained prominence in the sport, including a stint as the RFA Featherweight Champion. As of June 2025, he holds a top 10 ranking in the UFC featherweight division.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Ortega's Professional Debut

In 2010, Brian Ortega began his professional career as a mixed martial artist.

April 2014: Signing with UFC

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

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

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

July 26, 2014: UFC Debut and Suspension

On July 26, 2014, Brian Ortega debuted at UFC on Fox 12 against Mike De La Torre. His initial first-round submission win was overturned to a "No Contest" after he tested positive for drostanolone. He was subsequently fined $2,500 and suspended for nine months.

June 6, 2015: Fight of the Night vs. Thiago Tavares

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

January 2, 2016: Victory over Diego Brandão at UFC 195

On January 2, 2016, at UFC 195, Brian Ortega fought Diego Brandão, securing a win via triangle choke in the third round.

June 4, 2016: KO Victory over Clay Guida at UFC 199

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

October 1, 2016: Pull Out from UFC Fight Night 96

On October 1, 2016, Brian Ortega was scheduled to fight Hacran Dias at UFC Fight Night 96, but he pulled out in early September. Andre Fili replaced him.

July 29, 2017: Submission Victory over Renato Moicano at UFC 214

On July 29, 2017, at UFC 214, Brian Ortega defeated Renato Moicano by submission with a guillotine choke in the third round. Both fighters earned Fight of the Night bonuses.

December 9, 2017: Victory over Cub Swanson at UFC Fight Night 123

On December 9, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 123, Brian Ortega defeated Cub Swanson by guillotine choke submission in the second round, extending his finish streak to five fights. He also earned Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night honors.

March 3, 2018: Knockout Victory over Frankie Edgar at UFC 222

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

July 7, 2018: Fight against Max Holloway Cancelled

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 was also removed from the card.

December 8, 2018: Loss to Max Holloway at UFC 231

On December 8, 2018, Brian Ortega fought Max Holloway at UFC 231, losing by doctor stoppage at the end of the fourth round. He earned the Fight of the Night award.

December 21, 2019: Pulled out of UFC on ESPN+ 23

On December 21, 2019, Brian Ortega was scheduled to face Chan Sung Jung at UFC on ESPN+ 23, but he pulled out in early December due to a knee injury.

October 18, 2020: Victory Against Chan Sung Jung

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

March 27, 2021: UFC 260 Fight Cancellation

On March 27, 2021, Brian Ortega's scheduled UFC Featherweight Championship bout against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 260 was cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols.

April 2, 2021: The Ultimate Fighter 29 Coaches

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

September 25, 2021: Loss to Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 266

On September 25, 2021, Brian Ortega faced Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 266 for the UFC Featherweight Championship, losing by unanimous decision. He received the Fight of the Night award.

July 16, 2022: TKO Loss to Yair Rodríguez at UFC on ABC 3

On July 16, 2022, at UFC on ABC 3, Brian Ortega lost to Yair Rodríguez via TKO at the end of the first round after suffering a dislocated shoulder.

February 24, 2024: Victory against Yair Rodríguez at UFC Fight Night 237

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

June 29, 2024: Withdrawal from UFC 303

On June 29, 2024, Brian Ortega was scheduled to face Diego Lopes in a Lightweight bout at UFC 303, changed from Featherweight due to Ortega's weight cutting issues. He withdrew the day of the event due to an illness and was replaced by Dan Ige.