Brian Ortega is in the final stages of preparing for what could be his final UFC fight at featherweight as he takes on soaring contender Diego Lopes in the UFC 303 co-main event this coming weekend.
Brian Ortega nor Diego Lopes were originally on the blockbuster International Fight Week card, but the UFC pulled out all the stops on short notice once they learned of Conor McGregor‘s withdrawal a few weeks ago.
‘T-City’ last fought in February against former title contender, Yair Rodriguez, submitting the Mexican striker in the third round of their rematch.
The budding Brazilian star, Lopes, continued to increase his notoriety at UFC 300 this past April, knocking out Sodiq Yusuff in round one of their fight.
Brian Ortega reveals he was moving to lightweight before the late notice call
Despite being ranked third in the 145lb division, Ortega was on the verge of moving up to lightweight before he received the late notice call, revealing that he had a fight in the works for UFC 306, on September 14.
“We talked about fighting on September 14, at the Sphere,” Ortega told MMAJunkie.
“I said yes to it, they said yes to it and we all got excited and that was kind of in the works. They told me that my weight class had no one really that they wanted me to fight, they didn’t really want me to fight contenders and stuff, so I decided to move to 155(lbs),” Ortega added.
‘T-City’ admitted that he doesn’t think he will be able to earn another featherweight title shot anytime soon, and that is another reason why he decided to move up to lightweight.
The 33-year-old has challenged for the featherweight strap on two previous occasions, losing both times. His most recent failed attempt came against Alexander Volkanovski back at UFC 266 in 2021, with his attempt prior being a devastating loss to Max Holloway.
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Despite having accepted the late-notice featherweight fight, Ortega is still hopeful that he can compete on UFC 306, in what would be his lightweight debut.
“Yes (we had a name), but I can’t say it because it might still happen and I hope it does.
“There’s no title fight for me (at featherweight) any time soon, because of what’s going on in the game. Max (Holloway) has a guaranteed title shot and Volk (Alexander Volkanovski) does as well,” the 33-year-old stated.
‘T-City’ to donate $100,000 of UFC 303 fight purse to Church in LA
The former title challenger admitted that the biggest reason why he decided to accept the late notice opportunity against the Brazilian, is because he’s ‘fighting for a bigger cause’ this time round.
Ortega revealed that he will be donating $100,000 of his fight purse to Fearless Church in LA, stating: “I’m fighting for a bigger cause this time so that’s really what fuelled me on this fight. To help a lot of men, I’m going to use the money and I’m going to give it to church and I’m going to help a lot of men.”
The 33-year-old has previously opened up regarding his own mental health issues, stating that he was a ‘broken man’ before going to Church and finding God.
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