With that being said, few would argue the fact that Holloway, at least on paper, has the clear striking edge.ĭespite this, Ortega must establish confidence early. After all, not just anybody hands future UFC Hall of Famer Frankie Edgar the first knockout loss of his illustrious career. Let the hands goįor a man touted as a world class BJJ specialist, Ortega has continued to look impressive in the striking department. Next:The 15 most notorious moments of Conor McGregor’s UFC hiatus 3. If Ortega is to get his hand raised, he must do what he has done so many times before, close the gap in order to lock up another breathtaking submission.
![ufc 2 ground game ufc 2 ground game](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TB53uuSOWu0/maxresdefault.jpg)
He will need to rely on his ability to close the distance in a matter of seconds, considering the fact that Holloway uses his length and height to keep opponents at a range he prefers. Because Ortega is so confident in his ability, he is unafraid to take risks when looking for the finish. Flying techniques make him a danger anywhere in the fight. His Brazilian jiu-jitsu is at another level than a majority of fighters, not just in the featherweight division, but in the entire sport. You must get close enough to apply the technique and finish the fight. Ortega is an interesting case. In order to do that, however, you must first close the distance. It’s all well and good to try and submit your opponent. Not only that, but the slick submissions that have become a staple of Ortega’s game should be much easier to secure in the early going of the bout, when Holloway is not drenched in sweat, making him easier to get a hold of, while making the submissions more difficult to escape. It’s safe to assume that the longer the fight goes, the more it may favour the champion retaining his title. Given the fact that the champion has some of the best cardio in the game, it may be in Ortega’s best interest to end the fight as quickly as possible. The only reason to bring it into consideration at all is because of the type of relentless pace Holloway utilizes against his opponents. There is no evidence that it will be an issue of any kind. He seemingly gets better every time he competes, despite facing stiffer competition each time he steps foot inside the Octagon.Īt this point, there is no reason to question Ortega’s cardio over the course of 25 minutes. Ortega’s path to a UFC title shot has been nothing short of extraordinary. Should Ortega walk out with the belt around his waist, he must follow these five keys to victory. Despite all the momentum Ortega has heading into fight night, Holloway has enjoyed a dominant run of his own. The bout will be the toughest of Ortega’s young career, and potentially Holloway’s too, for that matter. Now, nearly five months later, Ortega finally gets his chance at UFC 231. Ortega declined to face another opponent, opting instead to sit out and wait for his opportunity to face Holloway for the belt.
![ufc 2 ground game ufc 2 ground game](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xxV-cuFR8Lg/hqdefault.jpg)
However, health issues forced Holloway out of the contest.
![ufc 2 ground game ufc 2 ground game](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OfU9f-skWdo/maxresdefault.jpg)
Ortega was originally set to clash with current champion Max Holloway at UFC 226 this past July. Dispatching every opponent he has faced inside the Octagon, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom seemed destined for big things in the featherweight division. It has been a long road to a UFC title shot for Brian Ortega. Subscribe to Morning Kombat with Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell for the best analysis and in-depth news.The undefeated Brian Ortega gets his long-awaited title shot at UFC 231, challenging reigning champion Max Holloway in Toronto, Ontario.
![ufc 2 ground game ufc 2 ground game](https://www.gamesknit.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/EA-Sports-UFC-2-e1490903823391.jpg)
I know you know me as a striker, but I am working so hard on my grappling and I want to be a complete fighter."Ĭan't get enough boxing and MMA? Get the latest in the world of combat sports from two of the best in the business. I want to evolve and show every fight that I am better and better. "I told you that I am working so, so hard. "I trained so hard for this fight," Grasso said. It's a victory made sweeter by the native of Mexico's ability to hold off a furious rally from Barber (8-2) in the final round. Grasso (13-3) scored her second straight win since moving up to 125 pounds in what was the most impressive victory of her career to date. Barber, a 22-year-old flyweight prospect, suffered her second straight defeat after Grasso (13-3) relied on slick counterpunching and an improved ground game to score a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) inside the UFC Apex facility. Maycee Barber's goal of becoming the youngest champion in UFC history took a sizable step backwards on Saturday in the co-main event of UFC 258.