Both Brian Ortega and Brandon Royval picked up impressive victories last night at UFC Mexico. While Ortega overcame an injury he suffered seconds before the fight to submit Yair Rodriguez in the second round, Royval avenged his first loss against Moreno with a split decision win over former Champion Brandon Moreno in the UFC Mexico main event.
Let’s take a look at the various options Brian Ortega and Brandon Royval can look at after jumping back to the winning column.
What’s next for Brian Ortega?
Brian Ortega returned after a long lay-off to face Yair Rodriguez in a rematch at UFC Mexico. Multiple personal setbacks kept T-City away from the cage, but now T-City is back, and fans expect him to be more active going forward.
But who can he face next? There are several options for Ortega, and while the two-time title challenger has expressed his interest in a title fight against Ilia Topuria in Spain, that will hardly be the case.
However, T-City is sure to find himself in a title eliminator next. And who better than the Russian Movsar Evloev? He even called out Ortega after his win at UFC Mexico, and fans are digging it.
Me vs @BrianTcity for the number 1 contender spot 👊🏼
— Movsar Evloev (@MovsarUFC) February 25, 2024
Ortega, who will find himself in the third spot in the Featherweight rankings after the victory at UFC Mexico, has fought every fighter ranked above him except the Champion. A rematch against Max Holloway or Alexander Volkanovski might interest fans less than a fresh challenge. And that’s where Movsar Evloev fits right in.
Other options include Giga Chikadze and Josh Emmett. Ortega and Chikadza have been paired against each other in the past. Meanwhile, Emmett could prove to be an exciting match-up. However, both these fighters are ranked much lower in the rankings.
What’s next for Brandon Royval?
Brandon Royval looked incredible against Brandon Moreno, picking up a razor-close split-decision victory to jump back into the winning column. Royval’s last fight was a title match-up against Alexandre Pantoja, which he lost via unanimous decision.
Amir Albazi and Kai-Kara France stand out as two exciting challenges for Royval next. Albazi might be the better fit among the two, considering he was scheduled to take on Moreno on the same card before Royval stepped in on short notice to save the day.
Got his revenge 😤@brandonroyval got it done on short notice tonight at #UFCMexico! pic.twitter.com/y665ceJxUy
— UFC (@ufc) February 25, 2024
Currently, Royval sits at the #3 spot in the UFC Flyweight rankings. However, after his victory, it’s safe to say he shall find himself in the #1 spot, while Albazi will drop down to the third spot, with Moreno in the second.
It’s a match-up that makes sense when one looks at the rankings and a fight that could catapult the winner to a title shot.
What are your thoughts?
