Brian Ortega has done it again.
A fighter known for his flair for the dramatic, Ortega was triumphant in his first fight since July 2022, scoring a stunning third-round submission of Yair Rodriguez. It was a comeback performance for Ortega in more ways than one as he also had to battle back from being badly hurt in the opening round, not to mention the possibility of an ankle injury he suffered moments after entering the octagon.
Ortega was bloody and battered after an opening round that saw Rodriguez score a knockdown, but his elite grappling and absurd toughness shined through as he took control of the action in Round 2. After scoring a takedown early in Round 3, it didn’t take Ortega long to snatch a fight-ending arm-triangle choke and secure his first win since October 2020.
To say his peers were impressed would be an understatement and the accolades poured in on social media afterwards. See some of the best reactions from the pros below.
T City gets it done in Mexico City
All he needed to do was get the fight to the ground, and it was just a matter of time.. #UFCMexicoCity
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) February 25, 2024
Twisted his ankle at opening bell and still finished in the third against Yair what a savage #UFCMexico
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) February 25, 2024
Ortega what a ******* g DOG . Heart he always shows !
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) February 25, 2024
Ortega showed insane grit coming back from a rough round 1 and perhaps an even rougher last couple years. Clean sub and superior conditioning.
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) February 25, 2024
That was a huge win for Ortega, wasn’t lookin good early especially with that ankle thing #UFCMexicoCity
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) February 25, 2024
Did Ortega just hurt himself warming up
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) February 25, 2024
Oh hell nah y’all peep Brodie twist his ankle
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) February 25, 2024
Did bro just mess his ankle up hopping around during announcements?!
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) February 25, 2024
Brian Ortega hasn’t fought in over a year and a half, comes back in a 5 round co-main against Yair Rodriguez at elevation..
Much respect #UFCMexicoCity
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) February 25, 2024