Holloway takes out Ortega to retain title at UFC 231 in Toronto
Max Holloway outclassed a bloodied Brian Ortega in his return from a year-long layoff due to various health concerns to retain his featherweight title by doctor's stoppage (TKO) in the main event of UFC 231 on Saturday.
Holloway erased any lingering doubts about his health in the opening rounds, relentlessly picking Ortega apart with precision strikes and impeccable movement.
Ortega rallied in the third round and Holloway looked arguably more in danger than in any other of his title defenses, but the champion quickly regained the momentum.
Holloway called his shot at the start of the fourth round and didn't disappoint, pummeling Ortega to the point where the challenger's left eye was closed shut, forcing the early stoppage.
"I'm ending it now."@BlessedMMA #UFC231 pic.twitter.com/95DtsMYqkD
— UFC (@ufc) December 9, 2018
After his 13th straight win, Holloway teased a move up to lightweight.
Holloway: I made the weight, made it look easy. Dana White, I want to be No. 1 pound-for-pound. If it means 155, let’s bring it. #UFC231
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) December 9, 2018
Holloway moved to 16-3 in the UFC, while Ortega saw his six-fight win streak since joining the promotion snapped.