Despite stunning win at UFC Fresno, Brian Ortega says Frankie Edgar is deserving of next title shot
A humble Brian Ortega believes Frankie Edgar should fight Max Holloway for the featherweight title.
Undefeated UFC featherweight standout Brian Ortega pulled off another sensational come-from-behind submission win at UFC Fight Night 123, submitting top-four contender Cub Swanson with a vicious guillotine choke in the main event at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.
But, despite his recent triumph and five-fight win streak, Ortega doesn’t think he’s deserving of the next title shot.
Speaking at the UFC Fresno post-fight press conference, per MMA Fighting’s Dave Meltzer, a humble Ortega said former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar deserves to challenge Max Holloway for the featherweight belt.
“I’m still trying to figure it out,” Ortega said when asked what was next for him. “I know Frankie got injured. I’m not sure how long it’ll take to patch him up again. I’m respectful for the shot he’s earned. Hopefully he recovers, he’ll have a speedy recovery and fights Holloway. Hopefully, maybe I’ll get the winner of that. If not, I’ll keep doing what I'm doing.”
Edgar, 36, was originally supposed to fight Holloway at UFC 218 but was forced to pull out of the championship bout at the last minute due to injury.
Holloway, who is on a 12-fight win streak, went on to rematch former champ and pound-for-pound No. 1 Jose Aldo, finishing the Brazilian in the third round with a barrage of strikes and becoming the only fighter to beat ‘Scarface’ in back-to-back fights.
As for Ortega, the 26-year-old talent will continue to use his UFC profile as a way to help those in need outside of the cage.
“I really want to help people out,” he said. “I want to use this time and this life to not just have it on me, but to use this time, they invested a lot of money to promote me. I want to help people out. I’m not the perfect person, but I have the perfect heart and want to help people who are down and out. I’ve been there.
“I’ve been doing charity work since I’m 20 years old and now I want to help kids.”
Currently ranked at No. 6 in the official UFC featherweight rankings, Ortega is likely to break into the top four with his win over Swanson.