Undefeated mixed martial arts (MMA) prospect Brian Ortega (9-0) took a big step up in Featherweight competition tonight (Sat., Jan. 2, 2016), battling The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 14 winner, Diego Brandao (20-10), at UFC 195, which took place inside MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
And the Brazilian jiu-jitsu blackbelt was more than prepared.
Brandao got the action started with a serious leg kick that actually sent him falling backward. He followed it up with several wild strikes, forcing Ortega back to the cage and then dumping over his head and onto the ground. Ortega actually landed an armbar on the way down, which made Brandao abandon his attack.
Brandao poured on the intense pressure, eventually getting Ortega back down to the mat where he defended well off his back. So well, in fact, that Brandao let him get back to his feet, where the pair traded hard right hands. Ortega uncorked a high kick and Brandao made him pay with a right-left combination. Ortega worked his jab well in the final minute as Brandao responded with his patented wild strikes.
The round ended in a flurry as it appeared Ortega began to settle in, weathering Brandao's early storm.
Brandao came out for the second stanza pumping his fists and raising his hands, hoping to bait Ortega into a wild brawl. Ortega remained calm, pumped his jab before getting tagged with a nice looping right hand. Brandao appeared less energetic, but he was able to land a very nice cross off another unsuccessful Ortega head kick. Ortega ripped the body and then came upstairs, but Brandao didn't even budge.
Ortega continued to circle and land calculated shots, but Brandao would catch him with something seemingly every time he burst with a flurry. It was a close round, with Brandao landing the more significant shots, but also eating enough to cause a bloody mouse to form under his left eye.
Brandao came out for the third and final frame, throwing caution to the wind with wild haymakers. Ortega ducked and pulled guard, but Brandao didn't want to play that game for long, letting him return to his feet. However, Ortega was quick to get it back down to the mat, threatening with a choke that Brandao was able to escape. Undeterred, Ortega chained another submission from mount, which he then released, allowing Brandao to escape into a tight triangle choke.
Amazing display of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, just curious why he waited so long to use it.
For complete results from UFC 195: "Lawler vs. Condit," including play-by-play updates, click here and here.