It looks like we might be getting Brian Ortega vs. Max Holloway in the near future.
Speaking to the media backstage at UFC Lincoln on Saturday, Ortega confirmed a report from MMAjunkie that an offer has been made for him to challenge Holloway for the UFC featherweight championship in December, potentially at UFC 231 in Toronto. A contract has yet to be signed, but Ortega expects that it’s only a matter of time before it becomes official.
“Nothing is official,” Ortega said.
“Trust me, I’m always the kind of guy, until I sign the contract I’m the first one to post it out there. But there’s ears in the game who hear things and yeah, it’s true. We got the call and they offered us to fight in December. I said yes. I think they’re pushing for Toronto, so December is up in the air and I’m sure Max received the same call. I haven’t heard anything from his side yet, but it looks like it’s going to happen.”
Back In March, Ortega knocked out former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar to secure a spot as the number one contender for the featherweight title in one round. Then At UFC 226, the Ortega/Holloway fight was originally set to take place but the bout fell through when Holloway was diagnosed with concussion-like symptoms during fight week. Holloway has since recovered and now we’re just waiting on word on whether the fight will be official for UFC 231.
Check out the video below where Ortega goes on to talk about turning down a fight against Jeremy Stephens and White criticizing him.