"I had no idea any of this existed. I was training in the garage" - Brian Ortega reveals that Max Holloway loss made him understand wrestling and Muay Thai were integral parts of MMA

Brian Ortega (front) discusses his TKO loss to Max Holloway back at UFC 231. [Image credits: @ESPNMMA on YouTube]

Brian Ortega recently revealed that his fight with Max Holloway significantly impacted his way of life. He stated that before the fight, he used to practice in his garage and didn't know much about nutrition. However, all that changed after his defeat to the Hawaiian fighter.

Ortega faced Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 231 with Holloway's featherweight title on the line. 'T-City' faced a devastating TKO loss against the then-champion in the fourth round of the match. Ortega has, on several occasions, admitted that his fight with 'Blessed' was a turning point in his career.

In a recent episode of Unlocking The Cage with Jimmy Smith, Brian Ortega admitted that he used to train in a garage prior to his fight with Holloway. He also stated that he had no knowledge of wrestling or Muay Thai. 'T-City' claimed that it was only after his loss to Holloway that he began working on these skills, as well as improving his overall lifestyle:

"And after that [loss against Max Holloway] I said...'Wrestling exists, Muay Thai exists.' I know I sound stupid but I had no idea any of this existed. I was training in the garage. I would just hit the bags, do a couple of mitts, lift some weights. Wake up, I would have no nutrition, pre-workout for breakfast... All the way up to the title. That's what people don't understand."

Check out Ortega talking about how his loss to 'Blessed' impacted his life:

"When I reassessed everything that's when I said 'dude, I f**king suck.'"

Brian Ortega (@BrianTcity) recalls the loss that forced him to change his lifestyle in order to be an elite UFC fighter.

⬇️ Brian's FULL interview w/ @jimmysmithmma out now!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fig… https://t.co/9hogUeAAjZ

'T-City' is all set to face Yair Rodriguez at UFC Long Island on July 16, 2022. The fight is scheduled to take place at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. Ortega will be looking to bounce back this weekend after his loss to Alexander Volkanovski back in September 2021.

Alexander Volkanovski gives his view on Brian Ortega vs. Yair Rodriguez

In a recent video on the UFC's official Twitter handle, Alexander Volkanovski was seen promoting the upcoming fight between Brian Ortega and Yair Rodriguez at UFC Long Island. 'The Great' also claimed that the winner of the fight could be a potential contender for the featherweight title.

Speaking about the headliner at UFC Long Island, the featherweight champion said:

"Hey, this weekend: Ortega, Rodriguez going at it. Obviously, I have my eye on that. I think a big win for either would show that they are the No.1 contender. So, this is a massive fight for the division. So, hey, you don't wanna miss it. I ain't missing it. I will be watching. Make sure you catch it and watch it on ABC."

Check out 'The Great' talking about the Brian Ortega vs. Yair Rodriguez fight below:

The champ will be watching Saturday's main event VERY closely 👀

[ @AlexVolkanovski | #UFCLongIsland | Main Card 2pm ET LIVE on @ABCNetwork ] https://t.co/inKbRVNJiM