Brian Ortega

Brian Ortega is a former RFA Featherweight Champion known for come-from-behind submission finishes in the UFC.

Brian Martin Ortega was born on 21 February 1991 in Los Angeles, California, to parents from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, and grew up in Section 8 housing in the San Pedro area of the city. He began Muay Thai kickboxing at just five years old before adding Brazilian jiu-jitsu at 13 under the Gracie family at their Torrance academy. Ortega, nicknamed "T-City," turned professional in 2010 and became the Resurrection Fighting Alliance featherweight champion before joining the UFC, developing into one of the most dangerous submission specialists in the promotion's featherweight division. Ortega compiled an undefeated UFC run before challenging Max Holloway for the featherweight title in 2018, a fight he entered while dealing with a serious knee injury and ultimately lost by TKO, though his all-action style had already established him as a fan favourite. Ortega has continued competing at the top of the featherweight rankings, renowned throughout his career for his elite ground game under the Gracie jiu-jitsu lineage, and has also pursued acting roles, including an appearance in the film "Father Stu."

Ortega is primarily known for his world-class Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission grappling, holding multiple submission victories in the UFC. He possesses excellent takedown defense and the ability to threaten submissions from virtually any position on the ground. While initially more grappling-focused, he has developed his striking game significantly throughout his career.

Ortega helped elevate the level of grappling in the UFC featherweight division and demonstrated the continued effectiveness of Brazilian jiu-jitsu in modern MMA.

• RFA Featherweight Champion
• two-time UFC Featherweight title challenger, no UFC title won