'We should be friends': Moment of sportsmanship stuns the UFC

After going to war in a UFC bloodbath, rivals Max Holloway and Brian Ortega shared a moment that resonated throughout the sporting world.

It was a fight in which Ortega said he was “willing to die” in the cage, after suffering a broken nose and thumb as he fought to protect his unbeaten UFC record.

The 27-year-old American was unable to capture the UFC featherweight championship from Max Holloway in the UFC 231 main event on Sunday (AEDT) in Toronto.

Stopped by the doctor at the end of the fourth round, the defeat dropped Ortega’s record to 14-1 with one no contest.

But it was a moment of incredible sportsmanship that truly stole the show at UFC 231, as the battered pair came together in the aftermath of the fierce battle.

UFC cameras captured the moment Holloway approached Ortega, who was sitting talking to the doctor at the edge of the ring.

“Brian, I love you,” Holloway shouted to Ortega.

Ortega was clearly rattled but got up from his stool and embraced his rival.

“We should be friends, probably,” Holloway continued.

“We can be friends for sure.”

The incredible moment shows the power of sport to break down barriers and bring people closer together, even in such unlikely scenarios.

Understandably fans were seriously impressed and uplifted after seeing the vision, with many taking to social media to share their emotions.

Brutal cost of unbeaten UFC fighter’s bloody first defeat

Brian Ortega has revealed he was “willing to die” in the cage despite suffering a broken nose and thumb as he fought to protect his unbeaten record.

The 27-year-old American was unable to capture the UFC featherweight championship from Max Holloway in the UFC 231 main event on Sunday (AEDT).

For Holloway, also 27, the situation was in stark contrast to being pulled from bouts in April and July due to pre-fight health concerns.

But it was only Ortega who experienced problems in Toronto this weekend as he suffered a frightful beating at the hands of the increasingly dominant champion.

Holloway battered his rival with right hands throughout and the fight was stopped with Ortega’s left eye swollen shut and blood pouring down his face from his nose and mouth.

It was largely no contest, as Ortega never really got untracked and Holloway pummeled him mercilessly.

Reflecting on the brutal fight after a night’s sleep, Ortega was thankful for the intervention after getting ‘white line fever’ to save his record.

“Doctor stopped it and I agree. Broken nose and a broken thumb,” he wrote.

“I was willing to die in there. Last night was Max’s night. I’ll be back. Thank you to everyone who’s always believed in me and supported me.”

Holloway, who last fought on December 2, 2017, was the picture of health a year later as he sent hard, clean shots at Ortega.

The Hawaiian wants to continue his legacy at featherweight but his next move could be a 10-pound jump to lightweight.

He is being urged by UFC president Dana White to move up a division for big-money bouts against the likes of reigning champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor and Tony Ferguson.

After busting up one of the best in the sport in Ortega, Holloway was full of himself.

“I told them in the corner that this was the round,” he said of the fourth round.

“All respect to Ortega. He’s a great fighter and we will probably keep fighting each other until we’re both heavyweights.

“Toronto is the 10th Island but I’m ready for the UFC to take me home and let’s do one in Hawaii. Like I said leading up to the fight, whether it’s staying down here and defending, going up to 155 or even fighting my brother, ‘The Daddest Man on the Planet,’ Daniel Cormier, I’m here for all of it. Let’s go!”

with Yahoo Sports