UFC featherweight contender Brian Ortega has been spotted training with his mouth taped shut, fueling speculation about his future plans in the organization.
Ortega, who has already challenged for the featherweight title twice, has decided to take a different approach to his training regimen. “No title for me anytime soon,” the staracknowledged in a recent clip, accepting the reality that he may have to wait longer for another shot at the coveted championship.
Discussing his options, Ortega revealed that he is considering a move up to the 155-pound lightweight division, rather than continuing his pursuit of the featherweight title. “The UFC doesn’t want me fighting contenders, and there aren’t any suitable matchups for me at my weight class,” he explained, hinting at the challenges he faces in the crowded featherweight landscape.
To prepare for this potential transition, Ortega has been spotted training with his mouth taped shut, a unique technique that aims to keep him “mellow” and prevent him from getting “too excited” during his workouts. “I’m getting a good workout in, sweating, putting tape on the mouth, that way I don’t get too excited,” the fighter revealed.
The decision to tape his mouth shut during training sessions is believed to be part of Ortega’s efforts to maintain focus and control his emotions as he sets his sights on a new challenge in the lightweight division. “Long story short, I was in Texas, just chillin’. Started wandering around the hotel, ran into Hunter and Dana. Hunter said I looked good. I said thank you. Thought it was a compliment. Should’ve known better. Next day I got a phone call saying I don’t want to fight. Now we’re here,” Ortega shared, hinting at the unexpected turn of events that led to his unconventional training approach.
As Ortega prepares for his upcoming fight against Diego Lopes at UFC 303, fans and analysts will be closely watching to see if his unique training methods translate to success in the octagon.
While this might be eccentric, it’s still probably ways off from Tony Ferguson’s takes on MMA training.
