Ortega becomes the first man to stop Frankie Edgar

The co-main event of UFC 222 featured a featherweight bout between top contenders Frankie Edgar and undefeated prospect Brian Ortega. Edgar was originally scheduled to fight champion Max Hollaway for the title, but Ortega took the fight on three weeks notice when the champion was injured.

Frankie Edgar had never been finished inside the UFC Octagon, but Ortega did just that in the first round in a flurry of strikes that started with a hard elbow that rocked Edgar. Oretaga then landed a huge uppercut that floored Edgar and a few follow up punches on the ground before the ref called a halt to the bout.

With the win Ortega remained undefeated as a professional and staked his claim as the undisputed number one contender to the featherweight title.

Play-By-Play

Round 1 – Quick pace to open. Edgar the smaller man but moving well and lacing together combinations. Edgar stays in the pocket and looks for changes to fire back his own shots in the early going. Edgar with his hands high, moving well and using quick strikes. Ortega handing his hands a bit and looking for the big counter. Edgar with a right hand over the top. Ortega looks comfortable, but he’s a step behind on his opponent’s speed. Edgar fakes a takedown and lands a left hand. Left hooks scores for Edgar . Ortega with a nice kick to the leg and then has a high kick blocked. Ortega starting to open up a bit. Edgar still looks the quicker fighter. Ortega kicks the leg and grabs briefly on to Edgar’s neck, but he’s able to pull free after a tense moment or two. Ortega lands a left elbow, and Edgar is rocked. High kick blocked. Ortega picking his shots. Uppercut lands clean. Ruthless. Edgar crashes to the canvas. Ortega jumps on top to finish, but this is over. Nasty stuff. Impressive.

source: mmajunkie.com

Official Result: Brian Ortega defeated Frankie Edgar by TKO (Punches, Round 1, 4:44)