UFC

Ortega addresses late UFC 303 withdrawal: “I struggled with my own ego”

Published

July 4, 2024

Brian Ortega UFC Mexico Frontkick.online

Two-time title challenger Brian Ortega. Photo via YouTube

Brian Ortega has released a statement addressing his hardship during UFC 303 fight week. The two-time title challenger took the featherweight fight on short notice, but even though the bout was moved to lightweight, just hours before weigh-ins, he was still forced to move out due to illness.

“I struggled with my own ego, got on a call with Tiki (Ghosn) and Hunter (Campbell), and I made the decision to call off the fight. I dared to do something crazy for the love of fighting, but I got sick and my body gave out on me. I want to give the fans and my opponents my best performance every time I step into the cage. Diego Lopes I can only imagine what went off on your side, you have nothing but my respect and I’ll talk to Hunter and Tiki and make this right by you. To the UFC, Dana, Hunter, and the fans, thank you for having my back.”

Ortega’s last fight was against former featherweight interim champion Yair Rodríguez. He won the fight via submission and was awarded with a Performance of the Night bonus.

The 33-year-old challenged for the UFC featherweight title twice against Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. Both title bouts were awarded with the Fight of the Night bonus.