Back in win column, UFC 206's Dustin Ortiz 'ready but not ready' for champ Demetrious Johnson

TORONTO – Dustin Ortiz has fought some of the top names in the flyweight division, but when it comes to reigning champion Demetrious Johnson, he still doesn’t see himself quite there.

Back on the win column after a hard-fought battle against Zach Makovsky (19-8 MMA, 3-4 UFC) at Saturday’s UFC 206 event, Ortiz (16-6 MMA, 5-4 UFC) used an emphatic “absolutely” to agree when asked whether he’s the best flyweight who hasn’t yet fought the long-reigning champ.

But that doesn’t mean he’s clamoring for a title shot just now.

“I’m ready, but I’m not ready,” Ortiz said. “I need more time in the octagon. I need a little bit more time, and I will be ready. I can guarantee that.”

Ortiz’s bout opened the preliminary card of UFC 206, which took place at Air Canada Centre in Toronto. It streamed on UFC Fight Pass ahead of additional prelims on FS1 and a main card on pay-per-view.

No. 10 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA flyweight rankings, Ortiz’s most recent 2-3 record can be deceiving, with all setbacks coming via decision – to the likes of No. 5-ranked Jussier Formiga, No. 7 Wilson Reis and former title challenger and No. 2 Joseph Benavidez.

Still, in spite of the level of competition thrown his way, Ortiz was fully aware of the importance of beating Makovsky when it came to ensuring his octagon future.

“You know, this fight right here was my career fight,” Ortiz said. “If I lose this, I’m starting from the very bottom and working my way back to the UFC. So this was a blessing from above, to say, ‘Hey, you deserve to be here, let’s buckle down and get on top of this, and go for that championship fight.’”

As for getting the split call instead of a unanimous nod, Ortiz knew “you can never be too sure” with the judging, but ultimately believed he’d done more to come out victorious.

“I controlled more time, and I was just praying that the judges saw that I wanted it more,” Ortiz said. “And I felt that you could see that. In the transitions and stuff, he kind of settles down, where I was like, ‘I’m not going to settle here. I’m going to land an elbow. I’m going to land a punch. I’m going to keep moving.’”

For more on Ortiz’s thoughts on his recent win and UFC future, check out the video above.

For complete coverage of UFC 206, check out the UFC Events section of the site.