Brian Ortega gains revenge on Yair Rodriguez at UFC Fight Night 237 to put himself back in the featherweight title picture – with the American securing his first win in more …
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Brian Ortega put himself back in featherweight title contention after an impressive submission victory over Yair Rodriguez at UFC Fight Night 237.
The American was out for revenge against Rodriguez having lost their first clash by TKO back in 2022 when he suffered a dislocated shoulder in the first round.
And Ortega did just that after choking out his opponent in the third round of their fight at the Mexico City Arena in Mexico City.
Ortega hadn’t fought since that defeat in July 2022 and has endured a difficult period in his career, failing to win since he beat Jung Chan-sung by unanimous decision in October 2020.
In a chaotic 15-minute bout, Ortega – who seemed to pick up an ankle injury as he warmed up – took some early blows from Rodriguez and was sat down after taking one particular big hit.
Brian Ortega gained revenge on Yair Rodriguez at UFC Fight Night 237, winning by submission
Ortega choked out his opponent in the third round at the Mexico City Arena in Mexico City
Ortega celebrated with his family in the crowd after his first victory in more than three years
But he improved and managed to control round two, landing several heavy blows of his own and cutting Rodriguez in the process.
He then pounced in round three as Ortega locked in the choke after taking Rodriguez down to secure revenge.
Ortega, who later revealed he had been suffering with a twisted ankle, received a dressing down from referee Marc Goddard for a delay in the release of the submission, with the 33-year-old apologetic.
An emotional and pumped up Ortega then proceeded to celebrate with his family in the crowd.
It was a big result for the American, who ended a two-fight losing streak and extended his MMA record to 16-3.
Rodriguez won the previous clash between the fighters in 2022 and dominated the first round
But Ortega fought back and soon began to control the clash before his emphatic victory
The victory also puts him back in title contention against the new UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who stunned Alexander Volkanovski with a second-round knockout at UFC 298 last week.
Meanwhile, it was a huge blow for former interim champion Rodriguez’s title prospects after his previous bout saw him lose to Volkanovski at UFC 290 last July.
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