UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway is defending the gold against Brian Ortega in the main event of UFC 231.
The featherweight champion pulled out of their first title bout at UFC 226, but Ortega claims Holloway won’t be the champion anymore if he fails to appear at UFC 231.
“I’m laser-focused on the belt at this point,” Ortega told MMA Junkie Radio. “Now, with this fight happening, we have it where if Max shows up or doesn’t show up, I’m going to have a fight for the featherweight (title) no matter what.”
Holloway is going to be making the second defense of his championship, last defending it against Jose Aldo at UFC 218.
Ortega claims the clause isn’t just in the contract for himself, but for the fans as well.
“There’s no more of me letting the fans down. If he pulls out on one days’ notice, three hours’ notice, it doesn’t matter. I’m going to show up and it’s going to be for the featherweight belt and it’s going to be main event. Dec. 8, that’s the goal. UFC 231. Toronto,” says Ortega.
UFC 231 takes place on Saturday, December 8 from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with Max Holloway and Brian Ortega headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
