This week in Martial arts Oct week 2: Ortega Earns #1 Contender Spot After Dominant Performance at UFC Fight Night
Brian Ortega has solidified himself as the #1 featherweight contender after a dominating performance against Chan Sung Jung on Saturday night. This was his first time back in the octagon after a TKO loss to then-champion, Max Holloway. A two-year hiatus followed the first loss of his career due to a knee injury and subsequent surgery, but he has returned to the stage with a whole new team and attitude.
‘T City’ and the ‘Korean Zombie’ headlined the UFC Fight Island 6 event. Although he’s typically an orthodox fighter who sometimes switches stance, the California native spent most of the night in southpaw, which ultimately, his opponent was not prepared for despite being an accomplished kickboxer. Ortega’s strength has always been his grappling, receiving bis black belt under Rener Gracie, but it was his striking that was the highlight of the fight.
Their first round was relatively quiet but in the final seconds of the second round, Ortega landed a spinning back elbow with precision, knocking Jung to the floor. According to Jung, he doesn’t remember anything past that round and believes this to be a huge factor in why he lost the fight.
After a successful return, Ortega is happy with his new team and their plan for his career. This is just ‘phase one’ of his ‘evolution’. Should the UFC keep their word, his next opponent will be Alexander Volkanovski, the current featherweight champ. The Australian welcomes the challenge after two defeats over Max Holloway (and a rumored third), he is happy to open up the division and test his skills over someone new.
Volkanovski is undefeated in the UFC and will prove a formidable opponent for Ortega, but after showcasing his new set of skills, it’s clear the contender more than ready for the challenge.
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