Why Was Max Holloway Considered the Underdog Against Brian Ortega?

Max Holloway's loss to Brian Ortega at UFC 266 was a shocking upset to many fans, including those who supported Holloway. The fight was hyped as a potential career-defining match-up, with Ortega appearing as the superior fighter on paper. Let's dive into the factors that made Max Holloway the underdog in this fight.

1. Ortega's Recent Performance and Hype

At the time, Ortega had a 14-0 undefeated record, including a submission win that was overturned to a no contest. This impressive record made him a formidable opponent, especially given the recent performance he had demonstrated. With stalwarts like Conor McGregor and José Aldo no longer dominating the featherweight division, Ortega had emerged as the new face of contenders. His undefeated streak and recent performances had generated significant hype and intimidation among fans and analysts alike.

2. Ortega's Versatile Fighting Style

One of the key factors that made Ortega a favorite in this match was his versatility in the cage. Since joining the UFC, Ortega had finished all his opponents by stoppage, whether by knockout, technical knockout, or submission. Moreover, there were a few notable defeats in the third round, indicating that Ortega could maintain his threat late into fights. His ability to finish fights at any point made him a challenging opponent for Holloway, who was known for his dominant standup game.

A notable example was Ortega's impressive knockout of former champion Frankie Edgar with a powerful right uppercut in the first round. Known for his unbreakable chin, Edgar had never been knocked out before, making this defeat all the more surprising and demonstrating Ortega's power. This fear of an early finish plagued Holloway fans, who worried that Ortega's threat to end a fight at any moment could nullify Holloway's strengths.

3. Holloway's Pre-Fight Challenges

Another concern for Holloway fans was the context surrounding the fight: a significant event that saw Holloway pull out of the initial fight date due to concussion-like symptoms. This pre-fight hesitation added to the anxiety of Holloway's fans, leading many to fear that this fight might be his last. The anxiety was so intense that many were more worried about this potential defeat compared to Holloway's previous losses to Vuex and Ortega.

4. Offline Dangers and Odds

As an oddsmaker, the odds were not heavily skewed one way or the other, suggesting that the fight was a true contender match-up. However, there were additional factors that influenced the perception of the fight. Oddsmakers like William Hill and Betway had initially had differences in their odds, but these discrepancies were quickly resolved. Nonetheless, the fight remained a true contender, with lines fluctuating between -110 and 110, indicating that it was a close and highly anticipated battle.

The fan base remained agitated, with many fans still maintaining that Ortega was the underdog despite the betting lines. This confusion and the fluctuating odds added to the excitement and unpredictability of the match-up.

Despite the underdog status and the fear of a potentially shocking defeat, Holloway's performance in the fight showcased his resilience and fighting spirit. While the outcome was a loss, it remains a testament to the brutal realities of the sport, where any factor can tip the balance in favor of the smaller, but more versatile opponent.

Conclusion

The victory of Brian Ortega over Max Holloway was a result of a combination of factors, including Ortega's powerful and versatile fighting style, Holloway's pre-fight challenges, and the intense hype surrounding the match. This fight serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of MMA and the importance of maintaining focus and adaptability throughout a career in this dynamic and ever-evolving sport.