Brian Ortega holding out for real title shot after Dana White ‘compensated me’

After revealing earlier this week that he has not been paid for his services leading up to a cancelled title fight with champion Max Holloway at UFC 226, featherweight Brian Ortega now says he’s been compensated by the promotion.

“T-City” had put in a full training camp, paid for coaching and travel expenses, endured a grueling weight cutting process, and played his role in the media. Having done everything right and showed up to fight, he felt like he was owed something.

Ortega confirmed he got what he was looking for during yesterday’s LFA 45 broadcast on AXS TV.

“I’m feeling a lot better now,” Ortega said. “The heartbreak was a little bit real at first, but then once I started to realize the bigger picture and everything – and I had to put my ego aside and put my thinking cap on in terms of businesswise – we made the right decision. I talked to Dana just the other day, and everything is good between me and him. He compensated me – we reached an agreement.”

With the money settled, Ortega can now go about his business and ready himself for a UFC featherweight title fight. Whether he finally dances with “Blessed” or paired with another dangerous partner, “T-City” isn’t going to care. The undefeated 27-year-old simply wants a chance at gold.

“Any fight for the title – that’s it,” Ortega said. “That’s all I’m looking at. I’m just looking at that gold, that belt. For me, it doesn’t matter the opponent.”

If Holloway is unable to return to action following tests this week in Las Vegas, Ortega may find himself fighting for a vacant belt. And with top contenders Frankie Edgar and “Korean Zombie” fighting one another in November, “T-City” wouldn’t have too many options at hand.

Jeremy Stephens? Jose Aldo? Chad Mendes?