Brian Martin Ortega Bio
Brian Martin Ortega is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on February 21, 1991, Ortega has been active in professional MMA since 2010 and is known for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expertise and dynamic fighting style. He previously held the Featherweight Championship title in the Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) and as of November 4, 2025, ranks #9 in the UFC featherweight rankings.
Early Life and Background
Brian Ortega was born in San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, and holds dual American and Mexican citizenship through his parents from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. He grew up in a Section 8 housing project in San Pedro, which shaped his early life experiences. At age 13, Ortega began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after his father enrolled him at the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Torrance, California. Under the guidance of head coach Rener Gracie, Ortega developed a strong foundation in grappling.
Path to MMA
At 17, Ortega expanded his skills by training in striking with boxing coach James Luhrsen, complementing his ground game. He started his MMA career competing in regional Southern California promotions, quickly making a name for himself. Ortega won his first professional title, the Respect in the Cage featherweight championship, by defeating Carlos Garces via unanimous decision. He built an undefeated 8–0 record before signing with the UFC in April 2014, crediting his success to the support from his coaches.
Brian Martin Ortega Career
Early Career (2010–2014)
Ortega began competing professionally in 2010, focusing on regional circuits in Southern California. His early career was marked by rapid success, culminating in winning the Respect in the Cage featherweight title. His undefeated streak and technical prowess earned him a contract with the UFC in 2014, marking his entry into the sport’s premier organization.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2014–Present)
Ortega made his UFC debut on July 26, 2014, against Mike De La Torre, initially winning by submission; however, the result was overturned due to a positive drug test. He rebounded with notable victories, including a TKO win over Thiago Tavares in 2015, earning Fight of the Night honors. Ortega showcased his submission skills with a comeback triangle choke victory against Diego Brandão in 2016 and a knockout win over Clay Guida the same year.
In 2017, Ortega continued his ascent by defeating Renato Moicano and Cub Swanson via submission, both fights earning Fight of the Night bonuses. His knockout of Frankie Edgar in 2018 marked the first time Edgar was finished in MMA. Ortega challenged Max Holloway for the UFC Featherweight Championship in 2018 but lost by doctor stoppage. He later defeated Chan Sung Jung in 2020 and faced Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title in 2021, losing by unanimous decision but earning Fight of the Night.
Ortega faced setbacks due to injuries and weight issues but returned to win against Yair Rodríguez in 2024 via submission, earning Performance of the Night. He competed in catchweight bouts due to weight cut complications, including a loss to Aljamain Sterling in 2025.
Gracie University HQ Era (2019–Present)
Since 2019, Ortega has trained with Ultimate Training Center and Gracie University HQ, focusing on refining his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and striking. This period has seen Ortega maintain competitive form in the featherweight and lightweight divisions, adapting his style and strategy under experienced coaching.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ortega is renowned for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt skills, particularly his submission ability, with eight wins by submission. His aggressive grappling combined with improved striking makes him a versatile fighter. Ortega’s resilience and tactical approach have earned him multiple Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ortega’s career highlights include his first UFC submission win against Diego Brandão, his knockout of Frankie Edgar, and challenging for the UFC Featherweight Championship twice. His fights often deliver high entertainment value, reflected in several Fight of the Night honors.
Brian Martin Ortega Career Wins
Brian Ortega has amassed a professional MMA record of 16 wins and 5 losses over 22 fights. His victories include 8 submissions, 2 knockouts, 3 decisions, and 1 disqualification.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Ortega’s UFC tenure features multiple submission victories and notable knockouts. His first UFC win came via triangle choke against Diego Brandão. Ortega’s most recent significant win was a submission over Yair Rodríguez in 2024. He has consistently been a top contender in the featherweight division, earning several post-fight bonuses.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Ortega held the Respect in the Cage featherweight title and was the RFA Featherweight Champion. His early career success laid the foundation for his UFC breakthrough.
Brian Martin Ortega Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Ortega’s parents are originally from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, contributing to his Mexican heritage alongside his American upbringing.
Personal Life
Brian Ortega is engaged to fellow UFC fighter Tracy Cortez. The couple resides in Los Angeles, California, and Ortega is a father to two sons.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Ortega competed in high-profile featherweight and catchweight bouts, facing challenges with weight cuts that led to catchweight contests. Despite setbacks, he remained active in the UFC, including a bout against Aljamain Sterling. Ortega continues to train with Gracie University HQ and Ultimate Training Center, aiming to regain championship contention. His resilience and skill set keep him a notable figure in the featherweight division moving forward.