Brian Ortega suffered a beatdown against featherweight champoion Max Holloway at UFC 231 on Saturday night that ended after the fourth round due to a doctor’s stoppage – a ruling that ‘T-City’ has now stated was the right decision.
“Doctor stopped it and I agree,” Ortega wrote on Instagram. “Broken nose and a broken thumb I was willing to die in there. Last night was Max’s night. I’ll be back. Thank you to everyone who’s always believed in me and supported me.
Ortega showed tremendous toughness and a granite chin during the fight, and even landed some good punches of his own during the fight, but in the end Holloway’s masterclass of striking was simply too much for him to overcome.
However, in the aftermath of the fight Ortega’s long-time coach Rener Gracie was full of praise for his fighter.
“When we arrived at the hospital, the first thing you said was “I’m sorry.” Gracie wrote on Instagram. “My brother, you have nothing to be sorry about. You came from nothing and you competed on the highest level against one of the best p4p fighter’s in the world. For four rounds, you took his best shots, but you never went down and you never stopped firing back. The heart you displayed last night could never be taught, and I’ve never been so proud to be your coach, your friend and your fan. You didn’t fail, Max prevailed. And if it was ever possible to win in defeat, you did it last night. I love you bro.”
