Former UFC featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega eventually hopes to become a champion. But would that be bigger than beating Max Holloway? He isn’t sure as of now.
Unbeaten at the time, “T-City” challenged Holloway for the 145-pound title at UFC 231 back in December. However, it turned out to be a masterclass from the Hawaiian who completely dominated Ortega until the doctor called a halt to the contest following the fourth round.
Ortega hasn’t fought since due to the injuries he suffered in the fight, and when asked if winning the title or beating Holloway would mean more, he responded.
“That’s a good question,” he said at a recent media scrum (via MMA Junkie). “I don’t know, that’s a really good question. It’s not something I have right off the bat.
“Because I want the championship, right? But then there’s like, yo, that guy f***ing gave you your first L. Maybe we can have them both in one night?”
Ortega recently admitted the beating Holloway put on him was hard to watch. However, he did take his performance as “a badge of knowledge.”
But if he is to face Holloway in a rematch, he needs to return to the Octagon and start racking up the wins again. There was talk of a fight with Chan Sung Jung but nothing has come to fruition yet.
For his part, Ortega is completely healthy and is hoping to fight before the end of the year.
“I’m cleared, man,” he added. “I’m cleared, I’m back to fight shape, everything is good to go. I’m ready. I’m anxious.
“[I want to return] as soon as possible. Give me a camp, give me a fight date. Give me where it’s at and we’ll make it happen. It’s going to be 2019. There’s no way I’m fighting 2020. I’m like a dope fiend. I have to fight this year.”