UFC Fight Night 123: Brian Ortega pulls a guillotine out of thin air against Cub Swanson

Cub Swanson and Brian “T-City” Ortega faced off tonight (Sat., Dec. 9, 2017) at UFC Fight Night 123 from Save Mart Center in Fresno, California, broadcast live on FOX Sports 1. On the line? A potential title shot at featherweight. Ortega, ranked 6th in the division, was undefeated as a professional, while Swanson, ranked 4th, had won four straight fights. Frankie Edgar was supposed to have gotten a title shot the week before, but a broken orbital bone forced his withdrawal, and champion Max Holloway put a second beating on Jose Aldo instead. Depending on Edgar’s return timeline and how impressive the winner was, a shot at the featherweight belt is a possibility for the winner.

They touched gloves. Ortage threw out a glancing jab. Both fighters tend to start slow, and the first minute of the round reflected that. Swanson lanced a right straight tothe body. He threw a combination as Ortega covered up. Swanson slipped a double jab from Ortega. Ortega landed a combination. Swanson threw a straightkick to the midsection, then a low kick. Ortega stalked forward, with a sharp hook-cross combination. Swanson came back with a comination of his own. Swanson was really starting to cook with gas, swinging away. Ortega threw a front teep to the body. Swanson landed a hook-overhand combination, then a straight. Swanson was starting to tee off on Ortega, who didn’t look bothered by eating Swanson’s fists. Swanson put togehter a punch-headkick-punch combination. Ortega got in the clinch and took a headlock into an anaconda choke attempt that had Swanson really worried, but Swanson just managed to survive until the bell rang.

The second round kicked off with pressure from Swanson, until Ortega decided to come forward. Swanson landed a body jab. Ortega pressed forward, but Swanson connected on two ahrd right hands. Swanson was slipping the jab very well, mixing in his kicks and hooks with typical fluidity. Ortega ate an uppercut. He drove forward with determination, shooting and finally putting Swanson against the cage. Swanson defended but T-City jumped for a guillotine attempt! He was hanging off Swanson cranking on that neck, and there was nothing Swanson could do about it! He pushed off the fence and readjusted midair. Tap by Swanson, and once again Ortega pulled out a win from thin air!

In the post-fight interview, Ortega gave a shoutout to Cub Swanson, calling him a G. He then gave all glory to God. Brian Ortega said he wrapped up, but felt he was slipping, but rewrapped, and then he knew he had it. He said he has five finishes in the UFC, but he feels he is a dark horse with a more humble approach. He said he is trying to get the attention of someone who has a lot of money so he can do charity work. He said that’s his real dream, besides the UFC belt. He brought his dad over and gave him a big hug. He said he will respectfully wait for Frankie Edgar to get his shot, and then hopefully he can get one afterwards. That’s... an interesting perspective for Ortega to take, but he is a young fighter with his career ahead of him.

Official result: Brian Ortega def. Cub Swanson via guillotine choke at 3:22 of Round 2

For complete Fight Night 123 results, including play-by-play, click here