Gallery Max Holloway def. Brian Ortega at UFC 231: Best photos view 13 images

Brian Ortega made no complaints about the stoppage in the UFC 231 headliner in his first statement since losing to UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway.

The cageside doctor called off the title fight headliner following the fourth round after Holloway (20-3 MMA, 16-3 UFC) had battered Ortega’s (14-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) face to the point where his eye was swollen shut.

Prior to the stoppage, Ortega had absorbed a single-fight UFC record 290 significant strikes from Holloway. He was transported to a hospital immediately after the fight for precautionary reasons, and though he didn’t suffer a broken orbital bone, he did reveal damage to his nose and hand in his first post-fight comments (via Instagram):

“Doctor stopped it and I agree. Broken nose and a broken thumb I was willing to die in there. Last night was Max’s night. I’ll be back. Thank you to everyone who’s always believe in me and supported me.”

UFC 231 took place at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Ortega vs. Holloway headlined the pay-per-view main card following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass.

Ortega brought a 15-fight unbeaten streak into UFC 231 and actually was the betting favorite by the time he and Holloway stepped into the octagon. “Blessed” showed up in a big way, though, and managed to send Ortega back to the drawing board with his first career defeat.

For complete coverage of UFC 231, check out the UFC Events section of the site.