In the realm of mixed martial arts, UFC featherweight Brian Ortega has expressed his disapproval of fighters who resort to gimmicks, particularly those who try to emulate the highly influential Conor McGregor. Ortega, who has been on the rise within the UFC, has been vocal about his disdain for imitation, calling out fighters who attempt to mirror McGregor’s distinctive style. He believes there’s only one McGregor and that others who try to replicate his persona are not being authentic. This sentiment was shared back in 2018 when Ortega criticized the facade that these imitators put up, suggesting that their efforts are transparent and lack genuineness.
Ortega has a different philosophy when it comes to his own career. He emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, a lesson he learned from his coach. His coach’s advice was straightforward: forget about playing a character and just be yourself. Ortega values authenticity and believes that staying true to his own personality is the best approach. He prides himself on being genuine in his emotions, stating that if he ever gets angry, it’s a real expression of his feelings, not a performance for the audience.
Recently, Ortega secured a victory in his first fight since 2020 during UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2. With this win, he aims to carve out his own legacy in the division, a division once dominated by Conor McGregor. Ortega’s focus is on making a name for himself through his skills and authentic personality, rather than through imitation or theatrics.
Meanwhile, Conor McGregor has been actively engaging in the political discourse of his home country, Ireland. Over the past year, he has used his platform to voice his opinions on various civil issues. In a recent statement on social media, McGregor took a strong stance against a constitutional referendum vote in Ireland. He called upon his fellow citizens to vote ‘no,’ expressing skepticism about the proposed changes and emphasizing the importance of preserving certain traditional values within the constitution.
McGregor’s influence extends beyond the octagon, as he continues to be a prominent figure in both the sports world and the public sphere in Ireland. His recent comments on the referendum reflect his willingness to engage with national issues and advocate for what he believes in, further solidifying his role as a multifaceted public figure.