Seminole's Ortega on Pimblett vs. Topuria Fight

Seminole resident and UFC star Brian Ortega said he would pay to see a fight between emerging talents Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria, while rejecting any personal matchup with the British fighter.

Ortega, a two-time UFC title contender, withdrew from a scheduled bout against Renato Moicano last weekend at UFC 331 due to a cut above his left eyebrow requiring stitches. The 35-year-old fighter, a decade-long UFC presence, expressed disinterest in facing Pimblett.

"Fighting Paddy Pimblett? No man," Ortega stated recently. "He’s a nice guy, and his team is very cool. He’s on a different trajectory than I am. We’ll stay away from each other."

Instead, Ortega voiced excitement for a potential Pimblett-Topuria fight. "Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria? I would love to see that fight. There has been enough history, trash talk, and back-and-forth that I’d pay to watch it," he said.

Ortega added that such a bout would test Topuria's resilience after his first loss and his ability to handle a comeback. The potential matchup would generate significant interest, he believes.

Ortega also revealed he has considered retiring due to the strain fighting places on his family. "I love fighting, but I’ve considered stepping away because of my family," he shared. "They’ve been doing this with me for over 15 years, and I’ve been in the UFC for over 10 years, fighting professionally since I was 19."

He recalled his eldest son, nearing 14, telling him, "Just fight out your contract and come home, man." These thoughts have led Ortega to reflect on balancing his career ambitions with family time, a common consideration for Pinellas County residents.