Brian Ortega is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Here, we have Brian Ortega’s net worth, salary, prize money, professional record, biography, and more.
Brian Ortega’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Brian Martin Ortega |
| Nickname | T-City |
| Date of Birth | February 21, 1991 |
| Age | 33 (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American, Mexican (dual citizenship) |
| Height | 5’8″ (173 cm) |
| Weight | 145 lbs (66 kg) – Featherweight |
| Reach | 69″ (175 cm) |
| Fighting Style | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing |
| Team | Huntington Beach Ultimate Training Center |
| MMA Record | 16 wins, 3 losses, 1 no contest |
| UFC Ranking | #3 in Featherweight division (as of February 2024) |
| Marital Status | Married to Stephanie (Roberts) Ortega |
| Children | Two sons |
UFC Career Highlights
Brian Ortega made his UFC debut in July 2014 against Mike De La Torre. A failed drug test overturned his initial submission win to a No-Contest.
He defeated Thiago Tavares via TKO in June 2015, earning his first Performance of the Night bonus.
In 2017, T-City showcased his grappling skills with back-to-back submission wins over Renato Moicano and Cub Swanson, both of whom also earned Performance of the Night bonuses.
Ortega knocked out former UFC champion Frankie Edgar in March 2018, earning another Performance of the Night bonus and solidifying himself as a top contender.
He challenged Max Holloway for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 231 in December 2018. Though he lost via TKO, the fight was awarded Fight of the Night.
Ortega faced Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 266 in September 2021. He lost via unanimous decision but earned another Fight of the Night bonus.
He submitted Yair Rodriguez in February 2024, earning his fifth Performance of the Night bonus.
Wife
Brian Ortega’s gorgeous wife is Stephanie Ortega, with whom he had previously been in a relationship and separated. They have 2 sons together.
Stephanie graduated from West High School in 2009 and studied kinesiology at El Camino College.
Brian was previously engaged to UFC fighter Tracy Cortez. They dated from 2020 to early 2023 before separating.
Brian Ortega’s Net Worth Details
Brian Ortega’s net worth is estimated to be $1.25 million as of 2025. His estimated salary is $300,000.
Net Worth Growth
| Year | Net Worth |
| 2024 | $1.5 million |
| 2023 | $1 million |
| 2022 | $500k |
UFC Fight Purses and Earnings
Ortega’s total recorded UFC earnings are estimated at $1,595,500 as of early 2024.
His highest single-fight payout was $332,000 for the title fight against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 266.
For his UFC 303 fight against Diego Lopes, Ortega plans to donate $100,000 of his purse to charity.
| Event | Opponent | Result | Disclosed Purse | Bonuses | Total Earnings |
| UFC 266 | Alexander Volkanovski | Loss | $300,000 | $32,000 (sponsorship) | $332,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Ortega vs. Korean Zombie | Chan Sung Jung | Win | $110,000 | $115,000 (win bonus + performance bonus) | $225,000 |
| UFC 231 | Max Holloway | Loss | $250,000 | $80,000 (performance bonus + sponsorship) | $330,000 |
| UFC 222 | Frankie Edgar | Win | $100,000 | $155,000 (win bonus + performance bonus) | $255,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega | Cub Swanson | Win | $58,000 | $105,000 (win bonus + performance bonus) | $163,000 |
Endorsements
Ortega has been featured in advertising campaigns for Modelo beer, the official beer sponsor of the UFC. Ignite has sponsored Ortega, which is Dan Bilzerian’s CBD brand.
Professional MMA Record
[As of June 2024]
| 20 matches | 16 wins | 3 losses |
| By knockout | 3 | 2 |
| By submission | 8 | 0 |
| By decision | 5 | 1 |
| No contests | 1 | |
FAQs
1. What is Brian Ortega’s nickname and how did he get it?
Brian Ortega’s nickname is “T-City,” short for “Triangle City,” earned for his mastery of triangle choke submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This technique became his signature move during early fights.
2. What is Brian Ortega’s professional MMA record?
Ortega holds a professional MMA record of 16 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no contest. His wins include 3 knockouts, 8 submissions, and 5 decisions across featherweight and lightweight divisions.
3. When did Brian Ortega make his UFC debut?
Ortega debuted in the UFC on July 26, 2014, against Mike De La Torre. Though he initially won via submission, the result was overturned to a no contest due to a failed drug test.
4. What martial arts does Brian Ortega train in?
Ortega trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (holding a black belt), Muay Thai, and boxing. He began BJJ at 13 under Rener Gracie and later integrated striking into his skillset under coach James Luhrsen.
5. Has Brian Ortega ever won a UFC championship?
No. Ortega challenged for the UFC Featherweight Championship twice, losing to Max Holloway (2018) and Alexander Volkanovski (2021). He held the RFA Featherweight Championship before joining the UFC.
6. What were Brian Ortega’s most notable fights?
Key fights include losses to Max Holloway (UFC 231) and Alexander Volkanovski (UFC 266), a win over “Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung (2020), and a 2024 lightweight bout loss to Diego Lopes.
7. What challenges did Ortega face growing up?
Raised in San Pedro, Los Angeles, Ortega grew up in a high-crime area. His father parked a motorhome outside their home to protect the family from stray bullets, shaping Brian’s resilience.
8. Why did Brian Ortega withdraw from UFC 303 ?
Ortega withdrew from his UFC 303 bout against Diego Lopes due to illness hours before the event. The fight was rebooked for September 2024, where Ortega lost via unanimous decision.
9. What is Brian Ortega’s fighting style?
Ortega is known for his aggressive grappling, particularly triangle chokes and guillotines, combined with improving striking. His endurance and adaptability make him a threat in later rounds.
10. Where was Brian Ortega born, and what is his heritage?
Born on February 21, 1991, in San Pedro, Los Angeles, Ortega is of Mexican-American descent. He represents both American and Mexican nationalities in his fighting career.
