5 UFC fighters whose stock soared after losing a fight

#2. Brian Ortega vs. Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 266

Brian Ortega has emerged as one of the most talented featherweights in the UFC. After making his promotional debut in 2014, Ortega went on a seven-fight unbeaten run before losing to Max Holloway in a title fight. While the American was quite popular among fans, he truly earned their respect after his hard-fought loss to 'Blessed'.

Brian Ortega punches The Korean Zombie at UFC Fight Night 180

However, it was the fight against Alexander Volkanovski that turned him into a star. Their first scheduled bout, set for UFC 260, fell through due to COVID-19 regulations. The two were then selected as coaches for The Ultimate Fighter 29. Throughout the show, the rivalry intensified, and they finally fought at UFC 266.

Right from the get-go, Volkanovski was faster on the feet. Ortega landed some well-timed counters, but the champ was doing more damage. In the third round, 'T-City' dropped the Australian with a counter-left cross and put him in a mounted guillotine. Incredibly, Volkanovski powered out. Moments later, 'T-City' locked in another submission but, once again, the champ managed to slip out. This time, 'The Great' proceeded to land some vicious ground-and-pound.

Despite being battered and exhausted, Ortega survived the championship rounds. In the end, Volkanovski won via unanimous decision.

However, Ortega's efforts won him the respect of the entire MMA community. Fans, fellow mixed martial artists and even Volkanovski praised his performance. Although he is currently on medical suspension, all eyes will be on 'T-City' when he makes his return to the octagon.

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#1. Michael Chandler vs. Just Gaethje at UFC 268

There was a lot of buzz surrounding Michael Chandler when he signed with the UFC in 2020. He was a three-time Bellator lightweight champion and had wins over former UFC champions Eddie Alvarez and Benson Henderson. In his promotional debut, he knocked out the dangerous Dan Hooker in the first round.

Michael Chandler at the UFC 257: Weigh-Ins

In his second fight, he fought for the vacant lightweight title against Charles Oliveira. A section of the fans questioned whether Chandler deserved a title shot after just one fight in the UFC. Former lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov said he would be ''sad'' if the American won. On fight night, Chandler found success early but lost via knockout in the second round.

However, Michael Chandler silenced the doubters when he faced Justin Gaethje at UFC 268. At the start, Chandler tried to overwhelm his opponent with his pace. While Gaethje found success with his signature leg kicks, 'Iron' did not slow down. He even managed to wobble 'The Highlight' in the first round with a vicious punch.

As the fight went on, Gaethje started to take control and almost finished Chandler with a massive uppercut in the second round. In the third round, a battered Chandler tried his best, but 'The Highlight' did not lose his composure and won via unanimous decision.

While Chandler did not win, the grit and durability he showed against one of the hardest-hitting lightweights won over the fans. Justin Gaethje later posted a selfie of himself and Chandler from the hospital. 'Iron' was all smiles even though his face had multiple bruises and cuts.