Newly crowned undisputed featherweight champion Ilya Topuria has been linked with title defenses against former titleholders Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway in recent weeks, but next… He cites Brian Ortega as an ideal opponent to face.
Topuria, the current undisputed featherweight champion, most recently headlined UFC 298 in Anaheim in February, with an impressive second round in a heated championship fight against the aforementioned Volkanovski. He won by KO.
As for Ortega, the two-time title chaser has been out of action since co-headlining UFC Fight Night Mexico City in February, and will face former interim champion Yair Rodriguez in the pair's rematch. Won by third round arm triangle choke.
Ortega, who earned a Performance of the Night bonus with his win over Chihuahuan Rodriguez in Mexico City and is ranked third in the division, was booked opposite Topuria by bookmakers in the Spaniard's first title defense. He was supported as the opponent with the highest chance of standing against the opposition. .
Ilia Topuria aims to defend title against Brian Ortega
And, urged to move things forward on the championship tour after his title coronation at UFC 298, Topuria dismissed a grudge match with newly crowned BMF gold holder Holloway and instead fought with recent winner He supported a match against Ortega.
“What Brian Ortega says makes the most sense,” Ilia Topria said in a recent interview with WebPositer. “He's always ready to fight and he just beat Yair (Rodriguez). Max (Holloway) will wait.”
Additionally, longtime color commentator Joe Rogan recently claimed that Topuria was approached about a possible rematch with the aforementioned Volkanovski at UFC 305 in August during his trip Down Under, but he declined to accept an immediate rematch. did.
Topria, who picked up a knockout victory over the New South Wales native in February, improved to 15-0 as a pro and recorded his 13th stoppage.
Who will win in a potential title showdown between Ilia Topuria and Brian Ortega?
