Brian Ortega will face Aljamain Sterling at UFC Shanghai on Saturday. Both fighters are high-level grapplers with contrasting bases: Sterling favors wrestling then jiu-jitsu, while Ortega prioritizes jiu-jitsu before wrestling. That contrast creates a distinct dynamic in grappling exchanges and alters the positions and submission opportunities each fighter will seek. Ortega holds a 16-4 record with eight submission victories and also accepts striking exchanges. A dominant, impressive finish by Ortega could accelerate movement toward a title opportunity, but an additional standout performance may still be required to secure a title run.
"Because his base is wrestle then Jiu Jitsu, my base is Jiu Jitsu then wrestle, I think it just has a different dynamic when it comes to the grappling aspect," Ortega told reporters on Wednesday. "He's looking for certain things, and I'm looking for other things."
"I'm a Jiu Jitsu guy, but I've always liked to stay on my feet and bang it out. I can't say the same for him, but I don't mind getting hit and hitting people," he said.
"I think a very dominant win would have to be showcased. Even if the best outcome comes right, I get a submission or a knockout, in an impressive fashion. I don't believe, bases off what I'm seeing on the rankings and how people are moving, that it's an automatic shoe-in to get a belt or a title run again," he said. "If it does happen I'll take it, but I believe it's going to be this one and maybe another one and then I can get another shot. I'd have to make another statement, you know?"
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