How Did Brian Ortega Get the Nickname T-City? Meaning Behind UFC Star’s Moniker

Brian Ortega is set to fight the up-and-coming featherweight contender, Diego Lopes, at UFC 303. It’s an opportunity for him to extend his winning streak after defeating Yair Rodriguez at UFC Mexico earlier this year. Ortega is famous for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and impressive movement. But why is he called ‘T-City’?

Ortega could have been the interim champion had he defeated Rodriguez back in 2022, who then went on to defeat Josh Emmett to become the interim champion since Alexander Volkanovski was away at the moment. ‘The Great’ had gone up a weight class to fight Islam Makhachev. Now that the featherweight belt is in Ilia Topuria‘s hands, perhaps a win here could spell greater things for Ortega. But before we get to his fight this weekend, let’s explore his background, especially the meaning of his moniker.

What does Brian Ortega’s nickname mean?

Brian Ortega has trained under the famous Gracie name. When he was just about the age of 15, his Jiu Jitsu coach, Rener Gracie, gave him the nickname ‘T-City’. Of course, it wasn’t just something that was given away to him. Ortega rightfully earned the nickname for himself.

Ortega once noted that he was the smallest guy in the gym and would choke out just about everyone who came his way. A triangle choke here and there would eventually earn him the moniker that he still goes by today. Clearly, his Jiu-Jitsu prowess is still amazing.

“It comes from Rener Gracie. He gave it to me when I was about 15 years old. Because I was the smallest guy in the academy, just a little kid and I would throw my legs up in the air and choke out everyone with a triangle. So one time we went bowling and you know how you put your name on the bowling screen? He put Triangle City and then I just made it smaller to T-City. That’s what it means.”

The name has stuck and it means a lot too. Ortega is a black belt under the same coach from the Gracie family. A family known well for perfecting the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Out of his 16 professional MMA victories, 8 have come from Submissions. But as he continues to fight in the 145-pound weight class, did you know he is considering leaving the division?

Ortega’s decision to leave UFC’s featherweight division

‘T-City’ has recently taken a significant decision that will alter the course of his UFC career. He believes that it would be hard to get back into title contention now due to the others involved in the scene. Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Ilia Topuria are currently the three big fishes in the title scene and Brian Ortega understands that and hence, has decided to go to lightweight following his fight against Diego Lopes.

” They [The UFC] didn’t really want me to fight contenders and stuff, so I decided to move to 155… There’s no title fight for me anytime soon because of what’s going on in the game,” Ortega told MMA Junkie. Brian Ortega has spent most of his career as a 145-er. Hence, it will be interesting to see how he fares in a division that consists of the likes of Mateusz Gamrot, Rafael Fiziev, Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, and of course, the champion Islam Makhachev.

What do you make of his decision to move up in weight and can Brian Ortega score the winner this weekend? Let us know in the comments below.

Also Read: Who is Brian Ortega’s Girlfriend/Wife? What Happened Between Him and Tracy Cortez?