UFC featherweight contender Brian Ortega has it in writing that he’s fighting for the title at UFC 231, whether or not Max Holloway makes it to the event.

The UFC also is making sure they don’t have to scramble just in case.

If Holloway (19-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) doesn’t make it, Ortega (14-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) said the promotion has a backup opponent on standby.

“They say they have a replacement,” Ortega told reporters backstage at UFC 229, where he served as a guest fighter. “They haven’t said the name. I don’t know who it is. I don’t care. If it’s for the real featherweight title, count on me being there.”

UFC 231 takes place Dec. 8 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The event’s main card airs live on pay-per-view following prelims expected to air on FS1 and stream on UFC Fight Pass.

Ortega made sure he got assurances from the UFC that he wouldn’t go through another camp in vain. Holloway was scratched just days before their scheduled fight at UFC 226 when doctors determined he was suffering from concussion-like symptoms and declined to clear him. Rather than accept a short-notice fight, Ortega decided to wait for Holloway to heal up.

“He’s been having a lot of issues,” Ortega said. “There was the Frankie Edgar fight where I stepped in to save that card (at UFC 222). There was the Khabib (Nurmagomedov) incident in New York (at UFC 223), where I offered to step in as well and (UFC President) Dana (White) said yes. Then he stepped in, and he couldn’t make that happen. Then there was ours at UFC 226, and he had to pull out again.

“I don’t know what’s going on with his health right now, or what’s happening with his camp. But now, I don’t care. Because it’s going to happen with or without him. I get what I want, which is a title shot.”

Ortega said he’s mended fences with White after the two clashed on his decision not to fight on short notice at UFC 226.

“Everything is all patched up,” Ortega said. “Dana is cool. It’s a business, and I sometimes take it personal. That’s who I am. After the fact, we kept talking, we kept in touch, and we squashed everything out.

“We’re on good terms, and it makes sense to make this the main event. I’m the No. 1 contender.”

For more on UFC 231, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.