Brian Ortega, known as “T-City,” is a celebrated Mexican-American mixed martial artist competing in the UFC’s featherweight division. His journey from a tough childhood in Los Angeles to the global MMA stage is inspiring. Let’s dive deep into his life, career, and achievements.
Brian Ortega’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
| Full Name | Brian Martin Ortega |
| Nickname | T-City |
| Born | February 21, 1991 |
| Age | 34 years |
| College | Attended El Camino College |
| Religion | N/A |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2010 |
| Net Worth | $1.25 million |
| Salary | Average approx. $300,000 per fight |
| Spouse | Stephanie Roberts |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @bctity (Brian Ortega’s official IG) |
Brian Ortega is a Mexican-American MMA fighter born in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in challenging conditions in San Pedro and started martial arts at a young age. Ortega has two sons with his wife Stephanie Roberts, who supports him closely in his career and life. His nickname “T-City” reflects his trademark submission move, the triangle choke.
Early Career
Brian Ortega began training martial arts at age 5 and started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 13 under coach James Luhrsen and the Gracie Academy. He transitioned into amateur fighting by 15 and quickly turned professional in 2010.
Ortega’s early career was marked by rapid success, and within a year, he had won several fights and headlined an event. His skillset, especially in jiu-jitsu, helped him make a mark in regional promotions before signing with the UFC in 2014.
Professional Career
Ortega made his UFC debut in 2014, quickly gaining fame for his aggressive style and elite grappling skills. Over the years, he has become a top featherweight contender, known for his submission prowess and resilience. Ortega has faced elite fighters like Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, fighting for the UFC featherweight title multiple times.
Despite some setbacks, he remains a fan favorite thanks to his heart and technical skill. His notable victories include submissions of Cub Swanson and Frankie Edgar. Ortega has also gained recognition outside the cage, famously coaching Halle Berry for her MMA-themed film. His career earnings and fight purses have grown over time, reflecting his rising status in the sport.
Wife
Brian Ortega is married to Stephanie Roberts, with whom he shares two sons. Previously, he was engaged to fellow UFC fighter Tracy Cortez, but that relationship ended publicly in 2023. Ortega is grateful for his family life and often credits his wife and kids as his source of strength and motivation.
Brian Ortega’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Brian Ortega’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.25 million. This figure includes his fight purses, sponsorship deals, and other earnings from his MMA career. Ortega earns an approximate base salary of $300,000 per fight, with potential bonuses and pay-per-view shares adding to his income.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Base Purse | Bonuses (Win/Performance) | Total Earnings |
| UFC 266 | Alexander Volkanovski | $300,000 | $32,000 sponsorship | $332,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Korean Zombie | Chan Sung Jung | $110,000 | $115,000 (win & performance) | $225,000 |
| UFC 231 | Max Holloway | $250,000 | $80,000 performance bonus | $330,000 |
| UFC 222 | Frankie Edgar | $100,000 | $155,000 (win bonus + performance) | $255,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs Ortega | Cub Swanson | $58,000 | $105,000 (win & performance) | $163,000 |
| UFC 306 | Diego Lopes | $250,000 | – | $250,000 (estimated) |
Endorsements
- Modelo Beer (official UFC beer sponsor campaigns)
- Ignite CBD (Dan Bilzerian’s CBD brand)
- Various UFC sponsorship deals and appearances
Career Records
| Opponent | Date | Result | Method | Round | Location |
| Diego Lopes | 09/14/2024 | Loss | Unanimous Decision | 3 | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Yair Rodriguez | 02/24/2024 | Win | Submission | 3 | Mexico City, Mexico |
| Yair Rodriguez | 07/16/2022 | Loss | KO/TKO | 1 | Elmont, New York |
| Alexander Volkanovski | 09/25/2021 | Loss | Unanimous Decision | 5 | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Chan Sung Jung | 10/17/2020 | Win | Unanimous Decision | – | Abu Dhabi |
| Max Holloway | 12/08/2018 | Loss | KO/TKO | 4 | Toronto, Ontario |
| Frankie Edgar | 03/03/2018 | Win | KO/TKO | 1 | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Cub Swanson | 12/09/2017 | Win | Submission | 2 | Fresno, California |
| Renato Moicano | 07/29/2017 | Win | Submission | 3 | Anaheim, California |
| Clay Guida | 06/04/2016 | Win | KO/TKO | 3 | Los Angeles, California |
FAQs
1. What is Brian Ortega’s professional MMA record?
Brian Ortega’s professional MMA record stands at 16 wins and 5 losses with no draws. He has a notable finish rate with many wins coming by submission and knockout.
2. What is Brian Ortega’s fighting style?
Ortega is known for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expertise, holding a black belt, and his preferred fighting style relies heavily on submissions, especially his signature triangle choke.
3. When and where was Brian Ortega born?
Brian Martin Ortega was born on February 21, 1991, in Torrance, California, USA.
4. What weight class does Brian Ortega compete in?
He competes in the Featherweight division in mixed martial arts.
5. What are Ortega’s most notable submission techniques?
His most famous submission is the triangle choke, which he has successfully used multiple times in high-profile fights.
6. Has Brian Ortega ever fought for a UFC title?
Yes, Ortega has fought for the UFC Featherweight title, including a notable title fight against Max Holloway.
7. What is Brian Ortega’s background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Ortega began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at age 13 and earned his black belt in 2013 after nine years of training at the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
8. What issues has Brian Ortega faced with weight cutting?
Ortega has publicly disclosed struggles with cutting weight for fights, including an incident where he lost consciousness during weight cutting.
9. What is Brian Ortega’s nickname in the MMA world?
His nickname is “T-City.”
10. How many of Ortega’s professional wins came by submission?
Out of his total wins, 8 have come by submission, highlighting his grappling prowess in MMA.