Brian Ortega finally found redemption at UFC Mexico. ‘T-City’ secured a submission win over Yair Rodriguez, after an injury cost him the fight against the Mexican in the very first round during their last meeting. Rodriguez then went on to become the interim featherweight champ after one more win. Now, does this win set Ortega on a similar path?

Brian Ortega struggled a bit in the first two rounds and at times, it looked like he was about to let history repeat itself. But the fighter powered through. Now, he’s willing to go all the way to Spain to challenge the new champion, Ilia Topuria.

Brian Ortega and Ilia Topuria, a grappling showdown?

Brian Ortega has achieved 8 submission wins in his 16-3-1 career. This puts him at the same number of submission wins as Ilia Topuria in his professional MMA career. Clearly, ‘T-City’ could give ‘El Matador’ a run for his money in a BJJ matchup.

Of course, the one who could get the next match against Topuria realistically is Alexander Volkanovski, the man he just defeated to become champion. But what if ‘Volk’ decides to step away from the cage for a while to get himself back together? Ortega is ready to jump at the opportunity.

“. . . obviously, you know like, ‘Volk’ is, is, was a great champ you know for people to kick him down right now, I’m finding kinda disrespectful for everything that he’s done.” Brian Ortega said in the post-fight press conference at UFC Mexico. “Some things have to play themselves out and we’ll see you know. But if he decides that he does not want to fight and chill, I’m more than happy to go to Spain.”

The Spain pay-per-view might just go down at Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid’s home ground. Topuria has quickly become a national treasure for the country and it has impressed UFC CEO Dana White to the greatest extent. Will the promotion go there eventually? It’s highly possible. But who will fight Topuria?

From McGregor to Holloway, who’s next?

Ilia Topuria was quick to call out Conor McGregor after winning his featherweight belt. Meanwhile, McGregor still has a match pending against Michael Chandler, a bout that seems just as much possible as Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s return to the cage. So perhaps Brian Ortega has a chance.

Also Read: Dana White Lured by 85,000 Fans as Ilia Topuria’s Dream Fight in Spanish Giant Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Given a Nod

Alexander Volkanovski, on the other hand, has a possible rematch for ‘El Matador’. Topuria defeated ‘The Great’ in a decisive manner but given his long reign, it would make sense for Dana White to arrange a rematch to give Volkanovski a shot.

Apart from that, Brian Ortega is clearly ready and raring to go. Max Holloway could have been a possible contender but he’s going after the BMF belt for the time being and so, that leaves a very few options worthy of challenging Topuria for the title. What is your take? Who is your next champ?

Also Read: How Much Is Ilia Topuria Making Against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298?