UFC CEO Dana White has reacted to Brian Ortega bouncing back after near-disaster against Yair Rodriguez.
During fighter introductions for his UFC Mexico City fight against “El Pantera,” Ortega appeared to roll his ankle while warming up. He then had had a shaky opening round, which saw his nose get busted up by Yair. Ortega was able to settled down and secured an arm triangle choke to force the submission in the third round.
It was a close call for “T-City,” and Dana White has given his reaction.
RELATED: PROS REACT AFTER BRIAN ORTEGA SUBMITS YAIR RODRIGUEZ AT UFC MEXICO CITY
Dana White Reflects On Brian Ortega’s Bounce Back Win Over Yair Rodriguez
During the UFC Mexico City post-fight press conference Dana White reacted to Brian Ortega’s ability to weather the early storm and unfortunate accident in order to submit Yair Rodriguez (via Aaron Bronsteter).
White says that he saw Ortega roll his ankle before the fight and thought it would be a short night.
White says it shows what Ortega can do when his mind is right.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) February 25, 2024
“White says that he saw Ortega roll his ankle before the fight and thought it would be a short night. White says it shows what Ortega can do when his mind is right.”
After the fight, Ortega admitted to media members that he didn’t exactly have a graceful start to the bout, but he’s happy that the tide turned in his favor as the action went on (h/t MMAJunkie).
“Talk about things stacked against me,” Ortega said. “… I’d be lying if I said panic didn’t set in for a bit. Obviously I started just off right off the bat, and I got clipped, and then I paid the price for not being in the zone and focused on what I was supposed to do. I survived it. I think I ended up somehow taking him down at the end of that first and then we walked back, and adrenaline kicked in. It was like, ‘All right, let’s go.’”
