Max Holloway vs. Brian Ortega: What Will Go Down:
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| There can be only one. |
It's arguably the most exciting bout the UFC can make in 2018 in terms of natural ability and competition. It's striker versus grappler as Max Holloway looks to successfully defend his Featherweight title against undefeated contender Brian Ortega. A failed meeting back at UFC 226 delayed this inevitable clash of two the promotion's very best, with Holloway pulled from the bout after it was discovered he was suffering from "concussion like symptoms" during fight week. Max has since been cleared to fight with no real explanation for his state of health given.
Holloway was scheduled to meet former UFC Lightweight champion Frankie Edgar at UFC 222 but was forced out of the contest after sustaining a leg injury, scratching the contest for the second time. During the UFC 223 debacle involving Khabib Nurmagomedov, Tony Ferguson and later Conor McGregor, Max Holloway was drafted in on April fools day, just six days notice, to meet Khabib for the vacant 155lbs. Holloway was attempting to follow in former foe McGregor's footsteps in claiming a second title simultaneously but during his weight cut, the New York State Athletic Commission prevented him from continuing his cut due to health concerns. A combination of a failed weight cut and hasty booking to meet Ortega seems to have taken it's toll on Max's future not only at 145lbs, but also in the sport itself. Despite being medically cleared to resume his fighting career, a shadow of doubt has been cast after promotion president Dana White hinted that the 'Blessed' era at Featherweight may be over and has encouraged a leap to 155lbs.
Brian Ortega has been nothing short of spectacular in his quest for championship gold. His last three wins in particular have been eye catching to say the least. Fellow top contender Renato Moicano was submitted by Ortega, Cub Swanson survived a late first round guillotine against 'T-City' only to get caught once again in a flying guillotine in the second round. In his most difficult match up to date, facing the slicker striker Frankie Edgar, Ortega became the first man to stop 'The Answer' via strikes, scoring an incredible upper cut stoppage inside the opening five minutes. Cali' native Ortega has evolved his boxing no end during his title seige but his grappling whether that be off his back or from the top may be the best in the organisation today. The Renar Gracie black belt is moe than proficient in the triangle, earning his nickname but can also attack with vice like guillotines. His so far unblemished professional record gives him a huge sense of confident and there's a certain sense of aura surrounding the perennial 145lbs contender.
Holloway has no doubt faced more high level strikers during his Octagon tenure with José Aldo, Anthony Pettis and Conor McGregor springing to mind, but Ortega's striking is still somewhat of a mystery, mainly due to his tendency to drown people on the mat early and often. Ortega has similar lateral movement to Max but it's the Hawaii native's pressure fighting style which may pave the way for a retention in this main event. Brian's obvious path to victory lies in his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and if he's able to initiate those all improtant clinches and grappling exchanges, which I believe he does. Max is still significantly compromised in my opinion.
Brain Ortega via submission.
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