*This fight has been removed from UFC 226 after Max Holloway displayed concussion-like symptoms.
Max “Blessed” Holloway will look to defend his featherweight championship when he is challenged by Brian “T-City” Ortega in the co-main event of UFC 226. Holloway finds himself being pegged as the -150 favorite with Ortega coming back at +120.
Holloway is on one of the most impressive winning streaks in UFC history, winning each of his past 12 fights – the fifth-longest in UFC history. His impressive resume includes victories over Jose Aldo, Anthony Pettis, Jeremy Stephens and Cub Swanson. There is little doubt that Holloway is one of the best mixed martial artists in the world today – and he proved that with two dominant victories over Aldo in his last two bouts.
Ortega might be the toughest test of Holloway’s career, as T-City is undefeated in his professional career. Ortega is a lethal finisher like few others in the division with each of his past six wins coming via stoppage – three knockouts and three submissions. He is also coming off maybe the most impressive performance of his career, finishing Frankie Edgar in the first round at UFC 222 – the first time in Edgar’s 13-year career he was stopped.
Though this bout may not get the biggest rub from some casual fans, Holloway vs Ortega is one of the most hotly contested and interesting bouts in MMA today. Both guys can compete in every facet of the game but Holloway would prefer to stand while Ortega’s best skill set is on the mat.
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Max Holloway | -150 |
| Brian Ortega | +120 |
Odds as of July 3 at Sportsbook
