SUMMARY
- Brian Ortega is scheduled to return in a rematch against Yair Rodríguez on February 24, 2024.
- Ortega was born in America but holds dual citizenship.
Brian Ortega is a name that evokes a lot of memories for MMA fans. Although the UFC fighter has never won the gold, he has been part of many iconic moments in the octagon. From his epic purged-theme walkout at UFC 266 to his brawl with the former champion Alexander Volkanovski, which was crowned the 2021 Fight of the Year by MMA Mania and ESPN.
He was also awarded the 2017 Breakthrough Fighter of the Year after finishing Renato Moicano and Cub Swanson, winning two consecutive fights of the night. The featherweight was on an undefeated record of 14 wins with no losses until he faced former champion Max Holloway for the title at UFC 231. Although he had his moments during the bout, he was dominated by Holloway, losing via TKO by doctor stoppage.
It’s been 3 years and 4 months since Brian Ortega won his last fight. #UFCMexico pic.twitter.com/yKYINQXKct
— MMA On Point (@OnPointMMA) February 21, 2024
Since then, Ortega has found it hard to bounce back and has been 1-2 in his next three bouts. He has been out of action for a year and a half after suffering a dislocated shoulder against Yair Rodriguez at the UFC on ABC 3. Ortega is scheduled to return in a rematch against Yair Rodriguez on February 24, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 237. Let’s have a look into the background of the fighter.
Brian Ortega’s ethnicity, and religion
Ortega was born on February 21, 1991, in Los Angeles, California. Although he is a born American, the UFC fighter holds dual citizenship for both the USA and Mexico. This is because his parents immigrated from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Therefore, the ethnicity he identifies as is Mexican-American. Although he is seen mostly representing the Mexico flag during his walkouts and interviews.
Ortega hasn’t shared his religious views or whether he follows any. He was rumored to be Jewish but hasn’t officially announced anything related to the same. Brian is known to have one younger brother named Chris Ortega and two sisters.
Brian Ortega’s personal life, childhood struggles, and family
Brian Ortega has seen quite bad days in the past when his two sisters were reportedly struggling with addiction, one to methamphetamine and the other to alcohol. Ortega himself has been known to be expelled from his high school more than four times and was even jailed. He later turned to MMA, finding his true path and providing for his family.
His parents were hard-working individuals, doing two jobs to provide for the family. Ortega soon earned his name in the mixed martial arts world and was able to turn things around for himself as well as for his family. Not only his family but also his nation, are proud of his achievements. He has two sons with whom he shares a close bond, although their mother hasn’t been revealed to the public.
