Brian Ortega responds to Jeremy Stephens and critics for not taking short notice fight for UFC 226

[KazDibiase]

• briantcityI’m a Businessman, a company man, but I’m no yes man. Watching the fights last night knowing I could have been performing for all of you truly took a toll on me. I stand by my decision. Thank you to all of you who showed up to support and respected my decision. For those of you who don’t agree with me I completely understand and promise to give you guys the show of your life when I fight for the title. #tcity

 

[Ingjr]

I'd have loved to see him fight, but you really can't blame him.

 

[Toco]

I was expecting a more complete answer, oh well

 

[wilKO]

Fair enough point it was only 1 fight ago he capitalised on a title fight injury and knocked out Edgar.

 

[LouisBolanos]

Well then don't be whining about t when the UFC fucks you over in the future and call it a business decision.

 

[Medical Marijuana Man]

A company man would've taken the fight

 

[Gio]

I definitely lost some amount of respect to him, well just a little. He was in this position coz Frankie agreed to fight him. If I was him, he should've return the favor and pass it on.

 

[BRASIL WAND]

What kind of response it that?

He’s basically admitting he DUCKED Stephens.

 

[Sinthesized]

A company man would've taken the fight

Exactly. Was about to say this lol.

 

[HaikenEdge]

If anything, I applaud him from learning from the mistakes of those who came before him.

 

[Shadowthrone]

Jeremy would have been destroyed anyway. Then the actual title fight would be pushed back even further.

 

[JohnOates]

If Edgar wanted in and he denied him then that's a bit shitty.
If it was anyone else then I can see Ortega's point.

 

[Squintz]

Like Jeremy Stephens could’ve made 155 in a day?

 

[blingking]

I definitely lost some amount of respect to him, well just a little. He was in this position coz Frankie agreed to fight him. If I was him, he should've return the favor and pass it on.

Different circumstances.

Shorter notice and no timeline for when the champ could come back.

Also if Max is ready to fight in August or September then you could see Ortega lose his spot and have to wait another 6 months if they decide to put max on before Ortega can fight again.

 

[BetoG695]

Does the Business man part of him realize he lost a good payday ? Does he understand that Company-men are infact yes-men?

 

[The Schmoop]

He’s protecting his own personal interest. In this game, it’s a wise business decision.

I’d be a little pissy if I was Frankie tho.

 

[Espresso]

Cant wait till he gets ktfo

 

[LouisBolanos]

He’s protecting his own personal interest. In this game, it’s a wise business decision.

I’d be a little pissy if I was Frankie tho.

Wise business decision to miss out on a payday and piss off your boss and your fans?

I'm not so sure about that.

 

[PIИKBLIИK]

To be honest I didn't respect him before anyway.

He's a juice head anyway so at least other fighters in the future know not to give him any benefit of doubt.

 

[Squintz]

Does the Business man part of him realize he lost a good payday ? Does he understand that Company-men are infact yes-men?

A Stephens who wouldn't have made weight anyways or Edgar fight interim belt or not doesn’t come close to the same payday and accolades of a Max title fight but it carries a shit ton more risk. Waiting a few months was the smart and correct business decision.