Ranked UFC featherweight issues "massive" challenge to Brian Ortega for London fight

Brian Ortega has just been called out by an undefeated UFC featherweight for a matchup at UFC Fight Night 255 at the O2 Arena in London, England. The fighter in question is none other than Lerone Murphy, who hails from the English city of Manchester. However, there is a significant disparity in ranking.

While Ortega is just on the cusp of the top five at #6 in the division, Murphy is just outside the top 10 at #11. It is a bold callout, and if he were to emerge victorious over Ortega in this proposed fight, he may very well put himself in position for a title eliminator.

"Ortega in London would be massive."

The UFC Fight Night 225 card is set to take place on March 25, but Murphy has not been scheduled for it. He is currently 15-0-1, having just beaten two MMA veterans in Dan Ige at UFC 300 and Edson Barboza at UFC Fight Night 241. Meanwhile, Ortega is currently at a career crossroads.

Despite only being 33 years old, 'T-City' has already fought for the title twice, losing both fights in lopsided fashion, with his first title fight having been against Max Holloway at UFC 231, while the second title fight was against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 266.

Not only has Ortega lost every title shot he's been given, he hasn't been on a win streak since 2018, having gone 2-4 in his subsequent six fights since then. He was most recently dominated by surging featherweight action-fighter Diego Lopes at UFC 300.

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Brian Ortega has never fought on English soil

Brian Ortega rarely ever fights outside of North America, largely competing in the United States and, on occasion, Mexico and Canada. However, his only fight outside of the North American continent was his bout against Chan Sung Jung at UFC Fight Night 180 in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.

Check out Brian Ortega's only fight outside of American soil:

Despite 'The Korean Zombie' having been a better striker on paper, Ortega dominated him, winning via unanimous decision. It remains his only fight outside of North America, so a potential matchup in London, England against Lerone Murphy would be a first.