Brian Ortega shakes up the featherweight rankings following win at UFC Mexico City

UFC star Brian Ortega has made his way up in the featherweight rankings following his win last weekend.

On Saturday night, Brian Ortega went head to head with Yair Rodriguez at UFC Mexico City. Despite a freak injury and a poor start to the first round, Ortega eventually turned things around and picked up a convincing win. Now, many are wondering what’s going to be next for him in the division.

Either way, he’s clearly a big time player now after such a landmark triumph. He’s been doubted before, but he always seems to come back and prove that he’s still got something left in the tank.

RELATED: Brian Ortega details his spiritual rebirth ahead of return at UFC Mexico City: “I had to just pluck away and be alone for a long time”

A few have posed the question: can he be next in line to battle Ilia Topuria? Well, if the rankings have anything to say about it, then he’s certainly in the running.

Brian Ortega (@BrianTcity) moves up to No. 3 in the latest official #UFC featherweight rankings following his #UFCMexico win over Yair Rodriguez, who drops to No. 4.

Alexander Volkanovski remains the No. 1 contender, followed by fellow former champ Max Holloway at No. 2. pic.twitter.com/ZAQIOrrmi0

— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) February 27, 2024

Ortega moves up a spot

C – Ilia Topuria
1 – Alexander Volkanovski
2 – Max Holloway
3 – Brian Ortega (+1)
4 – Yair Rodriguez (-1)
5 – Movsar Evloev
6 – Arnold Allen
7 – Josh Emmett
8 – Calvin Kattar
9 – Giga Chikadze
10 – Bryce Mitchell
11 – Edson Barboza
12 – Dan Ige
13 – Sodiq Yusuff
14 – Lerone Murphy
15 – Alex Caceres

Sure, in the eyes of some, moving up one slot doesn’t mean a whole lot – but it certainly holds some weight. Rodriguez was a top contender in his own right, and there’s a lot of marketability in a showdown with Topuria.

Look out, featherweights, because this may be the best version of ‘T-City’ we’ve ever seen.

What do you believe is next for Brian Ortega in the featherweight division? Are you excited by the idea of him competing for the world title? Does he stand a chance in a collision with Ilia Topuria? Let us know, BJPENN Nation!