Brian Ortega after UFC 266 (Credits: UFC)
Top ranked UFC featherweight Brian Ortega will take on Yair Rodriguez in the main event of UFC on ABC – Is he Mexican?
The talent stacked featherweight division is witnessing some incredible fights and movement, reigned by an immovable force that is Alexander Volkanovski. Many have tried, and many have failed. Two of the best featherweights clash this weekend in an epic contest, when Brian Ortega and Yair Rodriguez cross paths. Ortega has already had a shot at Volkanovski’s title once, and came the closest to dethroning the featherweight champion.
Brian Ortega is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the featherweight division of the UFC. Currently ranked at No.2, Ortega is a 1st degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Rener Gracie. He was also the former featherweight champion of RFA.
Brian started learning martial arts at the tender age of five at Al Martinez Muay Thai Kickboxing in Wilmington, California. When he turned 13, he began training Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy under Rorion Gracie, and his sons Ryron, Rener, and Ralek Gracie in Torrance, California. At 17, Ortega would meet boxing coach James Luhrsen, who took him under his wings and trained him in striking skills.
Brian Ortega was born in Los Angeles, California, but both his parents are from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. This means that Brian Ortega is of Mexican descent and possesses dual nationality.
Brian Ortega and Yair Rodriguez are both managed by Tiki Ghosn, a former MMA fighter himself. Although none of their Instagram handles, or websites provide any confirmation of that, particularly for Yair, Ghosn can be seen supporting both fighters proudly during their fights.
Khalil “Tiki” Ghosn is a retired Lebanese-born American mixed martial artist (MMA) veteran, competing from 1998 to 2009 in the Welterweight division. Tiki was one of the four original MMA fighters managed by UFC President Dana White, prior to Dana becoming owner and president of the UFC.
Ghosn who was in the corner of Brian Ortega, reacted to his fighter’s gritty effort against Alexander Volkanovski with an Instagram post which read, ”Brian Ortega you are an absolute killer, you gave us rounds 4 and 5 when the world thought you were done. You told me that if you were to die in that cage that you would be at peace and I heard you. When we pulled you off the canvas at the end of the 3rd you listened and focused and earned the respect of millions and you inspired many, including me. Sometimes when you win you lose, and sometimes when you lose you win. You will become a champion I believe in you and you showed a champions mindset and heart Saturday night. Your post fight speech is just another reason why you’re loved. Thank you Brian for allowing me to be a part of the best Championship fight I have ever seen and thank you to our entire team.”
He also reacted to Yair Rodriguez’s viral victory against The Korean Zombie by saying, ”This was short notice fight(12 days) that took a lot of hard work and major commitment from my fighter Yair Rodriguez, can’t express how proud I am of him stepping up and taking on this challenge.”
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