History of Brian Ortega in Timeline
Brian Ortega is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He has been a professional fighter since 2010 and previously competed in the RFA, where he held the title of Featherweight Champion. As of February 27, 2024, Ortega is ranked #3 in the UFC featherweight rankings.
February 21, 1991: Birth of Brian Ortega
Brian Ortega was born on February 21, 1991. This marks the birth of the future American professional mixed martial artist who would go on to compete in the Featherweight division of the UFC.
2010: Professional Career Start
In 2010, Brian Ortega began his professional mixed martial arts career. This year marks his debut in the fighting circuit, where he would later compete in the RFA and become the Featherweight Champion.
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 the support and love from James Luhrsen and Rener Gracie.
May 31, 2014: Scheduled Debut Against Diego Brandão
Brian Ortega was expected to make his promotional debut against Diego Brandão on May 31, 2014, at The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale. However, Brandão pulled out due to injury, and Ortega was subsequently pulled from the card.
July 26, 2014: Debut and No Contest
Brian Ortega made his UFC debut on July 26, 2014, at UFC on Fox 12 against Mike De La Torre. He initially won by first-round submission, but the result was changed to 'No Contest' after Ortega tested positive for drostanolone. He was fined $2,500 and suspended for nine months.
June 6, 2015: Victory Over Thiago Tavares
On June 6, 2015, Brian Ortega faced Thiago Tavares at UFC Fight Night 68. He won the fight via TKO in the third round, with both participants awarded Fight of the Night honors.
January 2, 2016: Win Against Diego Brandão
Brian Ortega faced Diego Brandão on January 2, 2016, at UFC 195. Despite being down for the first two rounds, Ortega rallied and won via triangle choke in the third round.
June 4, 2016: Victory Over Clay Guida
On June 4, 2016, at UFC 199, Brian Ortega defeated Clay Guida by KO in the third round. Despite losing the second round, Ortega won via a flying knee near the end of the third round.
October 1, 2016: Pulled Out of Fight Against Hacran Dias
Brian Ortega was expected to face Hacran Dias on October 1, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 96. However, Ortega pulled out of the fight in early September and was replaced by Andre Fili.
July 29, 2017: Win Against Renato Moicano
On July 29, 2017, Brian Ortega faced Renato Moicano at UFC 214. He won the back-and-forth fight via submission in the third round with a guillotine choke. Both fighters were awarded Fight of the Night bonus.
December 9, 2017: Victory Over Cub Swanson
Brian Ortega faced Cub Swanson on December 9, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 123. He won in the second round by guillotine choke submission, marking his fifth consecutive win with a finish. This win earned him Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night honors.
March 3, 2018: First Man to Finish Frankie Edgar
On March 3, 2018, at UFC 222, Brian Ortega faced Frankie Edgar and won via knockout in the first round. He became the first man to ever finish Edgar in MMA, earning the Performance of the Night bonus.
July 7, 2018: Scheduled Fight Against Max Holloway
Brian Ortega was scheduled to face Max Holloway for the UFC Featherweight Championship on July 7, 2018, at UFC 226. However, Holloway was pulled from the fight on July 4 due to 'concussion-like symptoms,' leading to Ortega being scratched from the fight.
December 8, 2018: Loss to Max Holloway
The fight against Max Holloway took place on December 8, 2018, at UFC 231. Ortega lost the fight by doctor stoppage at the end of the fourth round. Despite the loss, he earned the Fight of the Night award.
December 21, 2019: Pulled Out of Fight Against Chan Sung Jung
Brian Ortega was scheduled to face Chan Sung Jung on December 21, 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 23. However, Ortega pulled out of the fight in early December citing a knee injury.
March 8, 2020: Controversy Involving Jay Park
On March 8, 2020, a police report was filed against Brian Ortega for allegedly slapping rapper Jay Park, who was the translator for Jung Chan-sung (Korean Zombie), at UFC 248.
October 18, 2020: Victory Over Chan Sung Jung
The bout against Chan Sung Jung took place on October 18, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Ortega vs. The Korean Zombie. Ortega won the one-sided match by unanimous decision, dropping Jung multiple times.
March 27, 2021: Cancelled Featherweight Championship Bout
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: Coach for 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+. The show would feature contestants at bantamweight and middleweight.
September 25, 2021: Loss to Alexander Volkanovski
Brian Ortega faced Alexander Volkanovski on September 25, 2021, at UFC 266 for the UFC Featherweight Championship. He lost the fight via unanimous decision but earned the Fight of the Night award.
July 16, 2022: Loss to Yair Rodríguez
Brian Ortega faced Yair Rodríguez on July 16, 2022, at UFC on ABC 3. He lost the fight via TKO at the end of the first round after suffering a dislocated shoulder.
February 24, 2024: Rematch Victory Against Yair Rodríguez
After a year and a half layoff, Brian Ortega returned to rematch against Yair Rodríguez on February 24, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 237. Ortega won the fight via arm-triangle submission in the third round, earning another Performance of the Night award.
February 27, 2024: Ranked #3 in UFC Featherweight Rankings
As of February 27, 2024, Brian Ortega is ranked #3 in the UFC featherweight rankings. This ranking highlights his continued prominence in the sport.