Dana White: ‘There’s no way’ that Brian Ortega jumps over Frankie Edgar for title shot

UFC president Dana White says Frankie Edgar still gets the next shot at the 145-pound title, despite Brian Ortega’s impressive performance on Saturday.

Number six-ranked featherweight contender Brian Ortega made a strong statement on Saturday night with a second-round submission win over Cub Swanson in Fresno, California. Not only did he keep his undefeated record intact, he also impressed a good number of observers, including UFC president Dana White.

“Without a doubt, this kid’s obviously the future,” White told MMAjunkie in a post-fight interview. “Cub Swanson looked incredible tonight. … The problem is, this Ortega kid if he even puts his hands on you man – and he had him in the first round, and I’ve never seen a guy up in a guillotine choke like that and lets go, repositions his hands, and gets the choke. Against a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt too.”

“Unbelievable. Incredible performance that definitely puts this kid on the map.”

But despite being all praises towards Ortega’s performance, White maintained that Frankie Edgar will be getting the next shot at Max Holloway’s featherweight title. According to Edgar himself, the fight is being targeted for either March or April of the coming year.

“There’s no way that Ortega jumps over Frankie,” White said. “Definitely not.”

“It all depends on timing. When do we fight again? Who’s ready? Who’s not? But yeah, Frankie definitely seems like the No. 1 contender.”

Edgar was already scheduled to face Holloway at UFC 218 but was forced out of the fight a little less than a month prior due to a broken orbital bone he sustained in training.