UFC featherweight Brian Ortega is in for an interesting fight with Aljamain Sterling given they’re both high-level grapplers about to scrap at UFC Shanghai on Saturday.
“Because his base is wrestle then Jiu Jitsu, my base is Jiu Jitsu then wrestle, I think it just has a different dynamic when it comes to the grappling aspect,” Ortega told reporters on Wednesday.
“He’s looking for certain things, and I’m looking for other things.”
Ortega (16-4) has 8 submission victories on his record and countless times that he’s used that base to get to his spots and win fights. He doesn’t mind a good old fashioned stand-and-bang bout either.
“I’m a Jiu Jitsu guy, but I’ve always liked to stay on my feet and bang it out. I can’t say the same for him, but I don’t mind getting hit and hitting people,” he said.
So a win over the former UFC bantamweight champion would certainly be welcome on his record. It may even push him into the title picture sooner than later.
“I think a very dominant win would have to be showcased. Even if the best outcome comes right, I get a submission or a knockout, in an impressive fashion. I don’t believe, bases off what I’m seeing on the rankings and how people are moving, that it’s an automatic shoe-in to get a belt or a title run again,” he said.
“If it does happen I’ll take it, but I believe it’s going to be this one and maybe another one and then I can get another shot. I’d have to make another statement, you know?”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Brian Ortega above. He takes on Aljamain Sterling at UFC Shanghai on Saturday.
