UFC featherweight contender Brian Ortega was initially set to face off against reigning champion Max Holloway in the co-main event of UFC 226 on Saturday, July 7. However, Holloway was pulled from the fight after suffering concussion like symptoms.
Rather than accept a short notice opponent, such as Jeremy Stephens who was chomping at the bit to fight Ortega, Brian Ortega eleceted to sit out UFC 226 and wait for a rescheduling of his fight against Holloway. Consequently, a heavyweight war between Francis Ngannou and Derrick Lewis ultimately made it to the co-main event for the evening.
Speaking to fight fans and media at the UFC 226 pre-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White pointed out Ortega’s manager Ed Soares in the front row and asked the manager point blank if there is a possibility that Ortega will accept a short notice fight.
“His manager is sitting right in the front row here. Ed Soares is here, alright. Bet you wish you didn’t come to this press conference.”
Check it out within the video below:
