Brian Ortega on Surviving Gang Life, UFC Success, & Building a Legacy

Summary

Podcast Summary: DOPE AS USUAL Podcast – Episode: Brian Ortega on Surviving Gang Life, UFC Success, & Building a Legacy

Introduction In this compelling episode of the "DOPE AS USUAL" Podcast, host Thomas Yolis and co-host Marty O'Neill sit down with UFC fighter Brian Ortega to delve into his tumultuous journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a renowned mixed martial artist. Released on January 8, 2025, this episode offers an unfiltered look into Ortega's life, his battles both inside and outside the octagon, and his aspirations for the future.

Early Life and Upbringing Brian Ortega opens up about his childhood, detailing his experiences growing up in Section 8 housing in San Pedro before moving to Torrance. His father worked as a cook at Marymount College, and his mother managed the front desk at a Japanese hotel, emphasizing the family's first-generation immigrant struggles.

"I grew up in the project Section 8 in San Pedro for a little bit of my life. Then I moved to Torrance, transitioning from a housing unit to an actual home, which was amazing." ([06:28])

Ortega describes the duality of his early life—experiencing both the hardships of project living and the relative stability after moving to Torrance. He also touches upon his large extended family in Mexico, contrasting it with his limited familial connections in the United States.

Family Dynamics and Early Conflicts Ortega candidly discusses his relationships with his siblings, revealing a childhood marked by physical and mental abuse from his sisters and father. These early conflicts instilled in him a deep-seated resilience and shaped his approach to fighting.

"When I found out I'm a man, and then I found out I'm a child again, I was 13 around there... They would get me in every way possible. Mentally, they would break me, and physically, they would double-team me." ([12:26])

He recounts a pivotal moment at age 13 when he retaliated against his sister's abuse, leading to severe punishment from both his mother and father. This incident solidified his vow never to strike a woman, a principle he upholds to this day.

"Ever since then, I never put hands on a woman..." ([18:46])

Introduction to Fighting Ortega's introduction to fighting began early, participating in kickboxing from the age of five. His father's decision to place him in a fighting academy was strategic, aiming to equip him with the skills necessary to navigate and survive the rough neighborhood environment.

"He put me in there to learn how to fight. Just have to throw blows." ([05:40])

Despite initial struggles and the aggressive environment of illegal fights, Ortega's competitive nature drove him to excel. His early experiences in the ring taught him valuable lessons about discipline, respect, and strategic thinking.

Transition to Professional Fighting and UFC Career Ortega transitioned from underground fights to professional kickboxing and eventually into the UFC. He highlights his formative years in local fight organizations, winning belts and building a reputation that eventually caught the attention of UFC scouts.

"I won belts in local regions, and you could tell, like, some local regions were like, the talent's good here, and that means you're good enough here." ([136:15])

One of Ortega's most talked-about fights was against Max Holloway, which exemplified his toughness and resilience. Despite battling illness and severe injuries during the fight, Ortega's determination to push through showcased his fighting spirit.

"So all I could think of was, like, this fourth round. You're mine. You're done hitting me." ([60:45])

Personal Struggles and Growth Beyond the octagon, Ortega grapples with personal challenges such as PTSD, insomnia, and the pressures of maintaining peak physical condition. He shares his journey towards mental well-being, including therapy and adopting healthier habits to overcome these hurdles.

"The commission over there. Yeah, they were cool with it. But I know how you get when you're trying to deal with it." ([17:33])

Ortega emphasizes the importance of purpose over pleasure, advocating for a disciplined lifestyle that prioritizes personal growth and accountability.

"Purpose over pleasure. That's wisdom." ([234:28])

Legacy and Future Aspirations Looking ahead, Ortega expresses a desire to build a lasting legacy beyond his fighting career. He mentions his ventures into acting and teaching, aiming to inspire the next generation of fighters and individuals facing similar struggles.

"I've done acting, I've taught MMA... There's running a school, there's acting, there's YouTube... There's just a lot of routes in which you can go." ([182:20])

Ortega is also deeply concerned about his children's exposure to violence and fighting, striving to instill positive values and guide them away from the destructive paths he once walked.

"I want to be a better dad. Teach them how to survive without causing havoc." ([170:29])

Conclusion Brian Ortega's interview on the "DOPE AS USUAL" Podcast offers a profound exploration of his life's battles and triumphs. From overcoming familial abuse and navigating the perilous world of underground fighting to achieving success in the UFC and striving for personal growth, Ortega's story is one of resilience, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of a meaningful legacy.

"Everything looks horrible. I'm gonna still go, bro, you've had... A very dramatic career." ([60:45])

For those seeking inspiration and an authentic narrative of overcoming adversity, this episode is a must-listen, showcasing the essence of what "DOPE AS USUAL" stands for—bringing out unique, engaging conversations with remarkable guests.

Notable Quotes:

• "Purpose over pleasure. That's wisdom." ([234:28])
• "Ever since then, I never put hands on a woman..." ([18:46])
• "I want to be a better dad. Teach them how to survive without causing havoc." ([170:29])

Key Topics Covered:

• Brian Ortega's challenging upbringing and family dynamics
• Early introduction to fighting and kickboxing
• Transition from underground fights to professional MMA and UFC
• Personal struggles with mental health and physical injuries
• Future aspirations in acting, teaching, and building a legacy
• Concerns about children's exposure to violence and fighting

This in-depth conversation not only highlights Ortega's journey to the pinnacle of MMA but also provides valuable insights into the personal battles that shape a champion both in and out of the ring.

Transcript

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, you can. Perfect. Perfect, dude. I mean, I'm not gonna keep you here for four hours. We've done six hours, just wrecked. Like, we're not gonna do that to you. Don't worry.

[Brian Ortega]

Don't worry.

[Marty O'Neill]

60 to 90 minutes.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, everyone always say, man to everyone. Because it's my first time meeting you guys. Just treat me respect. I do the same.

[Thomas Yolis]

Likewise, bro.

[Marty O'Neill]

Absolutely.

[Thomas Yolis]

I don't think I've ever had anybody say that to me before. You know, would they get wild with you?

[Brian Ortega]

And then they get. They get weird. You're like, hey, bro, thank you, man. But I gotta dip out.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Because I don't know you. And then I'd rather not hit you because the they say is out of left field. You know, you say some dumb to get a reaction. I'm like, oh, yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

I've never done that in my life. I like this intro. Let's go.

[Marty O'Neill]

Hell, yeah. If you look into our show, you're gonna. You'd see that we're the ones with the integrity, basically.

[Thomas Yolis]

We've never asked somebody some. Because I'm like, I don't want you to hate me, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

And I don't want you to come. Someone, like, am I gonna be. They're gonna ask me about some. Why the Would you go?

[Brian Ortega]

You should never know, man. You know, especially now. Like, how old are you? Are you looking? Yeah. All the young. They'd be saying. They'd be saying, do some dumb.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's for prank, dude.

[Brian Ortega]

They do some to get a reaction.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah. It's basically discord in real life.

[Brian Ortega]

Every other podcast, and it's like, it's.

[Marty O'Neill]

Not smart with the UFC fighter, I would think. Right? Like, you think pick the streamers.

[Thomas Yolis]

I think anybody.

[Brian Ortega]

Common sense ain't so common. Or it is, but they don't give.

[Thomas Yolis]

A. I think it's the reaction. Like, I got punched by so and so.4 million views. But who the are you?

[Brian Ortega]

You know what it is?

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

The best thing. They poke you and then they act like the victim after.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, yeah. And they cut it to where it's like. It's just a prank.

[Brian Ortega]

I've been there my whole life.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, man, that's. That's. I love the way this started off. Let's go. Hell, yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

We're some storytellers, you know what I mean? That's. That's what we like to just bring.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's basically where we're at. All right. I. On my other side, I've been doing stories for, like, 10 years, and that's why we Started this. So that's, like, I'm saying, grew from the trash place. So, yeah, there's stories walking the store.

[Brian Ortega]

All kinds of characters, bunch of dude.

[Thomas Yolis]

So, yeah, let's get started.

[Marty O'Neill]

Let's do it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yes, it is. It's getting better, though. Oh, you gotta.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm always like, my homie's locked up.

[Thomas Yolis]

Over there right now in Fresno.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, boring. I forgot which. Which one of the prisons they have over there, but he's over there right now.

[Thomas Yolis]

Outside of Fresno. It might be like, Corcoran.

[Brian Ortega]

It's not Corcoran. It's another one. There's gotta be. There's two prisons over there. He's not in Corcoran. He's another one.

[Thomas Yolis]

I only went to Corcoran a lot, so I have no idea.

[Marty O'Neill]

I know Corcoran from Cops. That one's on TV a lot.

[Thomas Yolis]

Corking from the sandwiches in the visiting room. All right, sorry.

[Brian Ortega]

Who was out there? Family?

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, my stepdad.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh, all right.

[Thomas Yolis]

Every weekend, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

Still cool.

[Thomas Yolis]

I honestly, I was a little fat kid. We were poor, so I'm like, well, we can eat. Oh, I got quarters. Let's go. The lunch machine, they give out a little sandwich. I was like, hey, what's up, stepdad? Let me get them sandwiches.

[Marty O'Neill]

Every time you talk about it, it comes back to the sandwich.

[Thomas Yolis]

I was a little fat kid, man, and we were poor, so it's like, oh, you can eat, like, three things.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

Makes that drive out there.

[Thomas Yolis]

It makes the drive. Well, when I was there, I'm like, all walls and guys in blue.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, I'm done.

[Thomas Yolis]

And I was a little kid.

[Brian Ortega]

Just.

[Thomas Yolis]

You know what? Kids in the vision, they're just. There's a little. Yeah. So terrible way to start. My bad. Sorry about that.

[Brian Ortega]

Let's go, dog. Keep it real, you guys.

[Thomas Yolis]

Here we go. Here we go. Here we go. Welcome back to Dope as usual Podcast. My name is Thomas Dope as Yolis. This is my co host, Marty O'Neill.

[Marty O'Neill]

Guys, we're back.

[Thomas Yolis]

Let's get back. Let's get back into this episode. I'm hyped. Marty's hyped. We're hyped, and I hope you're hyped. Today's episode, guys, a very, very awesome guest man. We've had only a couple fighters, and this is the first fighter that I feel like if you saw him in the street, you'd be like, hey, what's up, dog? And, like, you can kill me.

[Brian Ortega]

Sick.

[Thomas Yolis]

All right, guys, today. This. Today's episode is with Brian Ortega. Thank you for being here.

[Brian Ortega]

Thank you for having me, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

Also, real quick, I just thought about it. Did you play Street Fighter as a kid?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

You look like Vega.

[Brian Ortega]

No, really?

[Thomas Yolis]

With the. Remember the claws? The light skinned fool from Spain with the long hair?

[Brian Ortega]

Right.

[Thomas Yolis]

If I had to pick one, I'd be like, that's Vega and he's got colored eyes. Fool's gonna be a anchorman, right? I'm not lying. Right? If you watch Telemundo, every guy like colored eyes.

[Brian Ortega]

Brad Pitt.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Hey, that's what. Him. Him and. And Troy was one of my favorite movies.

[Thomas Yolis]

And then when he jumped up his.

[Brian Ortega]

Stairs, look, this is the Gladiators. The gladiator sword.

[Thomas Yolis]

Is that really what it is?

[Marty O'Neill]

I was wondering what that was.

[Brian Ortega]

That's the sword that he uses, the gladius. That's my favorite sword.

[Thomas Yolis]

Damn. Okay. Yeah. You're a fighter, man. You're a fighter. All right, so we're talking like we always do. We're talking a lot before we started.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

As Marty's from Buffalo. Some kind of ghetto of Buffalo in New York.

[Brian Ortega]

Okay.

[Thomas Yolis]

Right. I'm from up north. Whoever you know about, it's kind of whack. And I heard. I know a little about your story, but I like to hear. This is a storytelling podcast. It's what we're here for. I want to hear from you, for everyone out there that just knows you for knocking fools out and fighting. Where did you grow up? Because when it comes to fighters like all American wrestler Ohio State, like, you don't hear a lot of similar stories. Like, you making it into an actual fighting. UFC is the biggest thing. It's the NFL fighting. I mean, it's the biggest thing in the world. Everybody loves it. And you are up and coming Tom Brady, you know what I mean? Like, what is he talking about? Like a little Ben Rothensberger. He'll be big soon, you know what I mean? Like, when you see these people fighting and they become superstars. So for you, for everyone out there, you have a different story. What can you tell us about where you grew up? Because I know a little bit about it, but for our audience.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, man, I'm like a. I'm a neighborhood kid. Simple as that. I grew up in the project Section 8 in San Pedro for. For a little bit of my life. And then I moved to Torrance. It was. It was our first time that we went from section 8 housing unit to an actual home, which that was. That was amazing. As a kid, you. You know, to live both lives and see that, that Was. That was dope, for sure. It was like, hold up, like, we don't have, like, these crazy neighbors. I don't. I still have to share. Yeah, but it was different. You know, I shared my shared one room with. With two sisters and guests or whatever. And then this one, it was just. You still share, but it's just the space is bigger. Oh, yeah. You know, like, we could be here or we can sleep, like, separately. You know, that to me, that was a big thing for sure. So. So that was cool. And I know you know, so because you say you grew up, you know.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, Yeah. I mean, it is what.

[Brian Ortega]

Is what it is. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Now that you realize how life kind of is a little bit then. Then you kind of see it. But that's. That's how I grew up.

[Thomas Yolis]

And then you're saying, San Pedro.

[Brian Ortega]

San Pedro. And then Torrance.

[Thomas Yolis]

So growing up before you went to Torrance or when you did, what did your parents do for work?

[Brian Ortega]

My dad was a cook and my mom worked at a hotel. So my dad worked for Marymount College as just. He's a guy that. If. When you go to school there at college, he. He hands you your tray, right? You tell him, hey, man, I want this. I wouldn't. I want that. And he give it to you. But he's also back there cooking all the food up for. For. For Mass. For mass of students. And then my mom was the front desk at a. At a Japanese hotel. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Cool.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Hell yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

I was learning little things.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, it's different. Diversify yourself.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, but she. She worked the front desk there, and she loved it. And, you know, my mom likes jobs like, where she just gets to type in and chosen the computer and like, customer service jobs.

[Thomas Yolis]

Are you first generation here?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

So if you're first generation and your mom is doing Japanese hotel front, I'm just gonna. What. What was the language.

[Brian Ortega]

I gave you? Like the rough cut? Like the. Like the. The fast version?

[Thomas Yolis]

No, but say not even that. You know how hard it is. How many people, like, translate for your mom for, I can't understand her. And then your mom's like, I can't understand the Japanese people, man. It must just been like this the whole time, checking in. That's what I'm imagining. So when your house is everybody. Is it like an English Spanish thing? Is it only span what's going on?

[Brian Ortega]

All Spanish before. And then it became a hybrid. Finally, when. When they understood the language and they knew that you need it, we weren't budging. That's what it was because to my dad, it was like, hey, Pops. Like, I need this. And he would ignore me. I'm like, hey, what's up, man? I said like, dad, I said, I need this. Like, I don't speak English. And he was saying in Spanish, he goes, only understand Spanish, so talk to me in Spanish.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, wow.

[Brian Ortega]

I was like.

[Thomas Yolis]

No way.

[Brian Ortega]

He's like, for how long? He's like, okay, gracias.

[Thomas Yolis]

I wonder why I never heard this approach before.

[Brian Ortega]

It was his way of making sure that his kids didn't grow up kind of forgetting their roots. Right.

[Thomas Yolis]

Makes sense their.

[Brian Ortega]

Their language. Right? He's like, I'm Mexican. Firstborn, or he's Mexican. Just. That's it. Right. All my family comes from Mexico. If anything, all my family is in Mexico, and I have. No, no, I don't have a big family here.

[Thomas Yolis]

Really?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Okay.

[Brian Ortega]

So when. When people have, like, I have my cousin's house and this and that, and I don't have that here. Oh, wow. We have. We have. I have some cousins here. You know, like, his sister moved over here, and I have my aunt and my cousins there, but that's it. And I got some relatives in Fresno, but, like, for the majority, like, my dad was, I think eight total, and my mom is seven total. And they're all over there. And everyone has, like, set or four to, like, three to seven kids. Who knows what? Like, there are a lot of kids. So my family's big.

[Thomas Yolis]

And so you're playing this Mexican family stereotype perfectly, man. I got 800 cousins right now, dude. I swear to God, I don't know.

[Brian Ortega]

They don't believe it.

[Thomas Yolis]

It just keeps going. And I find out people I know are related to me, I grew up with. I didn't even know.

[Marty O'Neill]

Your family's been unraveling this whole time.

[Thomas Yolis]

I've been finding out I have more cousins. Everyone, like, wait, you're blood related to my grandpa? What is happening, bro? So it just keeps going. So for you, do you. I'm assuming you got mad brothers and sisters?

[Brian Ortega]

Just one brother, two sisters. Oh, it was. Yeah, it was chill.

[Thomas Yolis]

Four. All right. Four is not too bad, man.

[Brian Ortega]

No. Okay. It's enough.

[Thomas Yolis]

So are you the oldest?

[Brian Ortega]

No, I have one older sister, two older sisters, me, and then a brother who's 14 years apart.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, way younger.

[Brian Ortega]

Way. He's your age.

[Thomas Yolis]

This is my brother. He's 15 years younger than me.

[Brian Ortega]

Same, same.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. And my little brother is 11. I just did his, like, seventh grade.

[Brian Ortega]

My son's 11.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, we see. What I'm saying, like, that's my little brother. I don't even understand this fool. He says him like, dad lets you do that.

[Brian Ortega]

That was Sigma.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. Oh, dude. He talks in memes and it just gets more crazy as the day goes along. But like, when you see your parents discipline or talk to your younger brother that's 14, do you. I don't know if you relate. Isn't it odd the things that are okay now, the things that weren't okay with me? I might get punched in the forehead for some of those things.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, thousand percent. I actually had that with my dad. Talk to him about it. We had a little, little, you know, I throw a little, little disses at him, you know, because I'm like, I would tell, like, you're getting soft, man. I'm like, he's like, what? I was like, I was like, bro, I, I say something, you're, you know, you're mad at me. And then you, you know, at least back in the day, you know, the consequences were the consequences. And then my brother, he does some way out of pocket and he just gets to talk. I was like, where were you then? But also when I'm not even mad.

[Thomas Yolis]

At you, but like, yeah, it's not mad.

[Brian Ortega]

What's up? Like, what, what happened?

[Thomas Yolis]

Discrimination. What the hell, bro? Punch him.

[Brian Ortega]

Is it because I came out light skinned?

[Thomas Yolis]

Are you the only light skinned in your family?

[Brian Ortega]

My sister's dark. My other sister is light with green eyes. I'm light with blue. And then my brother is light with brown eyes, though.

[Thomas Yolis]

What happened?

[Brian Ortega]

And then, yeah, so only one sister came out dark.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, she's pissed.

[Brian Ortega]

She was the, the, she was a, the strong one though. She, she's, she's a character.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

I got an older sister too. So it's like, I don't know if you have the same dynamic, but until I'm about 12, like, oh, you can beat my ass all the time. And then you had the turning point of like, I'm grown. I don't know about. I mean, you're a fighter, but I'm like that.

[Brian Ortega]

You like stories?

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, that's all.

[Brian Ortega]

All right, let me tell you that.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'm full of stories.

[Brian Ortega]

Let me. All right, let me tell you a story. When I found out I'm a man, and then I found out I'm a child again. So third, I'm 13 around there. Yeah, I'm 13. My sister probably 15 at the time. And my whole life by them. I got like jumped by them and they would beat me up and it was like physical and mental abuse because women, they. They get. They get pretty, you know, they can get you.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

They know what's up for sure. So they would get. They would get me in every way possible. Mentally, they would break me, and then physically, they would just double team me. And then I was like, damn. And my dad was like, you can't hit him. Like, you could wrestle, but you can't punch him. I was like, damn. But anyways, one day, my sister was very, very witty when it came to just, like, a verbal.

[Thomas Yolis]

Verbal war. She wins.

[Brian Ortega]

She got you, bro. Like, you can't. You don't even. Don't even try. Just take an ass, woman. But one day I found some stuff out. Like, I found something out about her that I knew was, like, through the neighborhood, little things, you know, circled up, and they came back to me. I was like, hell, yeah. Thank you for telling me that. I won't snitch you out, but thank you. I appreciate that. And then I was like, I can't wait for you to start some. Because, like, it don't even matter what it is. I'm just like, guess what? Yeah, you know, like, bump my shoulder. Sorry.

[Thomas Yolis]

I heard.

[Brian Ortega]

I was looking for it, but it happened. We're in the kitchen. We had a small kitchen, whatever, like, from here to. To there. And so, you know, we start arguing, whatever. And I was like, oh, yeah, check this out. This happened. And she was like. I was like, yep, you hope, you know, Like, I can't believe you. With that. With that. And she, like, turned around and just got mad, bro. And she came after me. And, like, I was like, hey, hey, chill. Like, you know, we're not supposed to get physical when she's, like, scratching me and everything. And sure enough, I was like, I'm the. That. Boom. I cracked her one time. Straight right across, straight rock, right cross. She flew back. She was shocked. Like, this would just hit me. And I was like, damn right I just hit you. Like, know your place now, you know? And. And as she, like, decided, like, all right, then I'm. It's a war, you know? My mom came out the corner, and she just came at me. So my mom comes at me. She starts me up. Then my. Then my sister and my mom are beating my ass. Then my mom realizes that they're both teaming up on me. So she's like, hey, check yourself. So then I just, like. I had scratches where, like, the. The. The. The skin stayed on the nails. Yeah. So I had. From one mom and sister. I had scratches on my neck. And then the worst part was I felt like that was enough punishment because if you put water and, like, touch. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Upgrade your business with Shopify, home of the number one checkout on the planet. Shop pay boosts conversions up to 50%, meaning fewer carts going abandoned and more sales going cha ching. So if you're into growing your business, get a commerce platform that's ready to sell wherever your customers are. Visit shopify.com to upgrade your selling today. Those. You're like, nah, bro. Like, yeah, I can. Like, I might have a dirty neck for a month, but, like, I don't. I don't want to watch this. My dad gets home, he whoops my ass for that. Hell yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, I get it.

[Brian Ortega]

He's like, you don't hit women. Come on, dog. I didn't teach you like that. It's like, all right. But the. The mess apart was the. The belt buckle had, like a. A bull on it.

[Thomas Yolis]

He smacked you with it.

[Brian Ortega]

And it has, like, you know, whatever where we're from. So he had this, like, his. You know, that was his belt. So he hit me with the metal part. And the funny part was like, the web. The metal part left little imprints of the bull, you know, so you can laugh at it.

[Marty O'Neill]

Horrible.

[Thomas Yolis]

It's horrible for sure.

[Brian Ortega]

But, like, sorry me up with it. And then after mom, even my mom felt bad. She was like, damn, like this. Who got his ass whooped?

[Marty O'Neill]

They know your sister sparked it off, though.

[Thomas Yolis]

You were like, it doesn't matter.

[Brian Ortega]

It doesn't matter, bro. At that point, it's. Regardless of how it happened, it happened. So then my mom comes to, like, be a mother, you know, because. Because when it was time for my dad to discipline me or whatever, then, hey, you know, your role. Like, we had our roles, right? It's like, you're outside whether it hurts you. But I gotta. You know, I gotta handle. I gotta deal with him as a man. So that happened. And obviously I'm over there, like, crying and, like, in all teary up. And my mom's, like, kind of joking. She's like, hey, you know, like, you're okay. And in my head, I'm like, I don't like you right now. Like, why are you here? Like, I'm in here because of you. So I'm pissed and somewhat, like, I would take my shirt off to get hit sometimes because I would try to, like, triple layer up to make sure it don't hit me.

[Thomas Yolis]

Told you.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh, that's the Thing.

[Thomas Yolis]

I used to do that too.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, so. So my dad was like, hey, take your shirt off. You know, like straight up, straight contact. And she was to. To make me feel better. She was like, hey, look. She's like, what is that? Like a little. Like a little cow? She's like, oh, look at the little cow, right? And I was like, and. And you know, when you're a kid, you started laughing like it is like it does like a little cow, huh? You started laughing, right? You're like, how does the cow go? I was like, it goes, move. How's the girl? I was like, move. And then my dad walked by, he goes, what does it go? Get over here. And I was like, oh, no. So my dad thought I was disrespecting him by laughing at that. So he doubled down the punishment.

[Thomas Yolis]

Mom didn't say, hey, stop.

[Brian Ortega]

He doubled down the punishment. So I got whooped by one sister, by my mom, by my dad, twice. And like half my body was welted one side. And then when. When I laughed and said move, then the other side got me. And then he said, move again. Go. Like when he was hitting me, he was like, go ahead, move. Go ahead and move. And I was like a different move. And bro, ever since then, I never put hands on a woman.

[Thomas Yolis]

Well, good.

[Brian Ortega]

So.

[Thomas Yolis]

So what a great lesson.

[Brian Ortega]

That was a great lesson because some women have tested me, bro, but you know, and their plans on a woman because of that lesson.

[Thomas Yolis]

I agree.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm not saying that's a good thing, nor am I encouraging it. I'm just saying my life and I'm sharing.

[Marty O'Neill]

Was that the first time you blasted somebody and they like flew back like the Matrix? Like, he really connected.

[Brian Ortega]

No, I hit people before. Before that, but boys, you know. Yeah, and that was the first time I like. Yeah, I hit my sister.

[Thomas Yolis]

My mom had studded belt and that's. She left him bruising on my ass too. Remember that? I told you with the hurts. It is kind of funny to see Prince, but it does hurt. So when you said like, I left. Bull. Yo, your dad, Your dad seems, you know what, he was around. That's hard, dude. Most fools dads are not there, so at least he's giving you good lessons, bro. Yeah, my dad would beat the dog out of my mom and my mom used to knock his ass out all the time. So. Okay, it was a. We talked about before. It was a battle all the time.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, all the time. That same belt they would smack us with. They smack each other with it. Shit's Shit's crazy, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

It was a war.

[Thomas Yolis]

But, you know, it is what it is. But, yeah, my older sister. Yeah, she broke my PlayStation into pieces in front of me because she. Because she wanted to change the tv. I was like, I'm playing the game.

[Marty O'Neill]

Come on.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, just start stomping it.

[Thomas Yolis]

And I said, yeah, beat the dog. I mean, I didn't punch her, but she stabbed you? She tried to stab me. Yeah. Did you ever get into those? Oh, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh, see? Let's go.

[Thomas Yolis]

Okay, so how close has a knife come to killing you? Because I know one stuck in the wall by me. Almost my pants.

[Brian Ortega]

My. My sister's not gonna like me right now. I hope they don't want. But the. The best for the funniest to me at that time right now is not funny. But so, like I said, it's always two on one. So if I could ever instigate some things between them, I will.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So I. I got into both of them. I was like, she said this about you? Oh, she called you a gorta. Oh, like, oh, she called you a house. Oh, she called you like. So I was like. I was like. And there. And I was picking at both their insecurities, right?

[Marty O'Neill]

Smart.

[Thomas Yolis]

Smart.

[Brian Ortega]

And sure enough, they went. They went at it with each other. And I was like, this is the best day ever, because it's not me. Yeah. Like, I don't have to deal with this. And I'm like, you guys, if I split you up, my life becomes better.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, for sure.

[Brian Ortega]

And my sister got pissed, and she went in and she got a knife, and I was like, nah, she ain't like, no way, bro. Like, because the. The younger sister, still one. One year older than me, but the youngest technically out of the sisters. She's. She's nice. You don't see nothing. Like, you don't see that side out of her. She was more like the muscle that held me down. But she didn't do things to. To really. She wasn't malicious. Yeah, the other one is malicious. Was. So, dude, she got pissed, grabbed the knife, leaned back, and I was like, no, she's not gonna do it. But when I seen the reaction of my older sister jump over the couch and duck her head and she chucked it. She. She like, where her head was. It did this, and then the knife got stuck on the door. Like, we had a little screen door, and the knife, like, was in the door, and the door is like a little metal door, you know, open that. I was like, dog, she tried to kill her. I Was like, what are you doing, Brian? I was like, bro, this went too far. And then my sister, like, they looked at each other and I don't even remember the rest. I think I was just like, dog, she just threw that knife and, like, really meant it. I thought she was going to throw.

[Thomas Yolis]

It or whatever, but she really scared to scare. Do this.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. Or something. Like, back up, I'm done. You know, like. Like a, like a self defense type thing. No, she meant every bit of it. After that, we're like, don't, don't with her. Like, she's. She's.

[Thomas Yolis]

She's crazy.

[Brian Ortega]

She's like actually crazy. She's crazy. Yeah. Like, she. Don't. She'll lose it and then come back. And then, then come back to reality and be like, oh, I up. Yeah, like, I messed up.

[Thomas Yolis]

See, it's not just me. This sounds very common.

[Marty O'Neill]

I knew you guys were going to relate on all this stuff big time.

[Thomas Yolis]

Just like, she. My sister swiped it. My uncle John saved. She. She was gonna get me. I was running around tables, she was swiping. I could feel it on my shirt. Like, you're mad. You're mad today because I held her down. You can't beat me up no more. She always beats me up. She wins. She's big. And my sister's a lesbian. Like, she's a tomboy. She wrestles. She just wants to beat my ass.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

And I remember the day I held her down. I'm like, you're not big enough anymore. And I held her down with one arm.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm the power.

[Thomas Yolis]

I did. I was like, what are you gonna do? I like little spits. I got up. She tried to get that butcher knife, dude. My uncle kicked the door in to save my life.

[Brian Ortega]

Damn.

[Thomas Yolis]

He did save my life, though. That's like one of five knife fights. It's never me with a knife. You know, I really get stabbed instead. My sister. That's crazy, bro. Okay, so you have.

[Brian Ortega]

That's a score. That's a score.

[Thomas Yolis]

I mean, it's. It's a funny story. Yeah, yeah, it's a funny story now, but back then I think it was still kind of funny.

[Marty O'Neill]

I saw the video where you gifted your dad, like his dream truck.

[Brian Ortega]

I wouldn't say his dream truck, but it was just a truck.

[Marty O'Neill]

But I mean, it looks so wholesome in your family. Look like they're all together and like, they're all happy now. So it looks like it all worked out.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, I mean, everything is, you know, thank God. Everything is good. It's always been good. I mean, let me take that back. Is better now. Yeah, things were always good, but they're just. They're better now. Everyone is in a good place mentally, physically, spiritually, and even for me, right. Like, financially in that. In that department where I can. I can be able to do something like that.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, it's huge.

[Brian Ortega]

But it was. I also ordered my truck, though, if I'm being honest. I ordered my truck.

[Thomas Yolis]

What'd you do to his other truck?

[Brian Ortega]

I was showing off. I had some chick in the car with me, and I wrecked it into. Into a. Almost into someone's house.

[Thomas Yolis]

How old?

[Brian Ortega]

17.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, 17. You know, I had my license, everything, but I was. You know, I had some chick with me, and I was trying burnouts, and I was just. I was smashing through a residential, and then I hit the first bump. Not a speed bump, but the ones that say bump, so they give you, like, a little, you know, And I was like, yo, this is a badass truck. Like, check this out. And I just went down, like a. It's stupid now. Like a residential. I was flying, like, going 70.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, that's. That's kid stuff, though. You think you're invincible. And.

[Brian Ortega]

And then a car kind of rolled through the stop sign, and then I didn't want to. I knew enough not to go straight into him. So when I hit a left in my head, I drifted the corner and made a left, But I went over the curve, smacked the brick wall, took out a tree, and ended up maybe, like, from here to the wall to, like, someone's. I think it was a kitchen.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah. Were you guys okay?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, we're cool. I got out the car, like, trying to fight the other guy. I was like, what the. You idiot? Like, I didn't feel. I didn't understand the collision. Plus, I don't think at 17, you feel it. I was just like. I didn't even care about the girl. I was like, hey, man. Like, I just got out the car. Like, hey. You know, I was pissed at the guy, and then he took off causing. I mean, he just took off. He took off, but I was like, hey, for. You rolled the stop sign, dog. Like, what are you doing? Like, I. Like, you're like, I saved your life, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

Could kill them for sure.

[Brian Ortega]

In my head, I would have killed him straight up F150, fully loaded with the extended backhoe. That thing's heavy. And he had a small ass, little, like, Toyota Camry. And I was like, the foot. The hood was right by where like, by him. So I was like, I dipped out, left. Yeah, I would. I would have wrecked his life. Oh. So he, he took off. But that in the end it ended up helping me out because. Because insurance was like, well, you shouldn't have took off. He came back saying that I was crazy. Whoopty woo. And then. And the cop try to get me like to do a breath of life. They thought I was under, under the influence. And then my mom was like, he's. He's underage. How dare. You know, it was like a whole thing when my mom actually came through. But then I don't want to go home after. I was like, hey, like, I'm leaving. She's like, what are you doing?

[Thomas Yolis]

Moving away.

[Brian Ortega]

I was like, I'm moving away.

[Thomas Yolis]

Dad's gonna punch me.

[Brian Ortega]

He's gonna kill me. I'll take any hit. But like, that was, that was his dream car. Oh, that was like, as a Mexican, like his, his.

[Thomas Yolis]

The working truck.

[Brian Ortega]

Nice one. Yeah. Which is why I read like, not thinking about it. Probably why I have even the truck now.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Because it like, it's like, I guess a Mexican thing that he told me.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. My dad's got one too. It was a great day when you get that new truck.

[Brian Ortega]

But yeah, like, I. I wrecked this truck. And I told him, hey, man. Like, when, when I talked to him, surprisingly, he didn't hit me at all. He was like, hey man, it's. I'm happy you're safe. He's like, when I heard all that and I seen the, like, he saw the car and then he saw the house and he saw the whole damage and he was like, I'm happy you're just safe. I don't know why, like, I. I didn't go home for I don't know how long. I didn't want to go home. They're like, brian, Brian. I was like, not like, take my.

[Marty O'Neill]

Chances out here for like days and days.

[Brian Ortega]

No, I don't think like maybe like two the most. But when you're 17, that feels like a week.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. Two days feel like a week when you're 17.

[Thomas Yolis]

You can't buy by the creeks.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. But like, that was. It was enough to be like, I gotta come home for, for something.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

And it's like, damn, I did not.

[Thomas Yolis]

Expect that at all, man. I gotta be honest. Like, he hit me with two belts.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's what I was expecting.

[Marty O'Neill]

Right. I know. I was like terrified for you in that moment.

[Brian Ortega]

I was. When I, When I, when I went back Home for sure. I was like, he's gonna throw everything in the kitchen sink at me. So when he showed me, like, when he. When he got me with love, that threw me off. I was like, this is a trap.

[Thomas Yolis]

This might be worse.

[Brian Ortega]

I was like, this is a trap. What's really waiting for me? Like, is there.

[Thomas Yolis]

Room's all plastic. Is there.

[Brian Ortega]

Is there Is, like, is a cop gonna come here and, like, something, you know, like, yeah, something's off.

[Marty O'Neill]

Did you ever start fighting back?

[Brian Ortega]

No, not. Bro. Not at all. The. The one thing that he. He instilled in me is his fear. And. And then later, once the fear was there also, by the time I could fight back, I understood the respect level to it. And the thing is, like, you never hit your father, right? That was his whole thing. You never hit your siblings, you never hit a girl, and you never hit your father, and you don't fight. We don't fight family. Like, there's, you know, you hear brothers. Like, me and my brother fought. We got in a fistfight. I grew up thinking, like, not in my house. We did a lot of other bad things, but that one was, for some reason, one of the core values that we had. That wasn't a line that we crossed.

[Thomas Yolis]

That seems awesome.

[Brian Ortega]

Did I want to. Hell, yeah, I did. By the time I got to, like, a certain age, I was, like, 17 years old.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, that's what I was.

[Brian Ortega]

Or even 16. Even 15.

[Marty O'Neill]

You're ready to go?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, because at 15, I was already choking out adults, and I was, like, beating people up. Were big. So I looked at my dad like, I got you now. But then I would try him physically, like, even a playful setting, but to test myself. But he still has it. He. My one thing about my dad is he's. He's a street fighter, right? And one thing about a street fighter is they. They play it by different rules. There's no fist involved with him. There's like, oh, I'm stabbed. Oh, my eye is gone.

[Thomas Yolis]

Or.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh, you know, like, that's. That's him.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Because even by the time I think I was. I was in the ufc, and I. I was feeling kind of some. I was feeling some kind of way. And we're in the hallway, and I pinned him against the wall, and I tried to shoot a double on him, and he sprawled like a cage fighter. And then when I locked my hands, like, the way he grabbed my fingers and, like, bend them back, like, yeah. I was like, ah, let me go, let me go, let me go. And he's like, you still don't got it.

[Marty O'Neill]

And I was like, he neutralized your takedown.

[Brian Ortega]

Put it this way, if it was a real situation, I tried that.

[Thomas Yolis]

If you've heard that sound from Babbel.

[Brian Ortega]

Before, I bet you do.

[Thomas Yolis]

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[Brian Ortega]

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[Thomas Yolis]

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[Brian Ortega]

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[Thomas Yolis]

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[Brian Ortega]

I would had a broken finger on, on the ground and he would have hit me with my broken like.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So that's when I realized like, oh, he's dirty. Yeah, like in a good way. But he ain't gonna lose.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, he's not gonna lose.

[Brian Ortega]

And then growing up like, also another reason why I fear him. Because when you go to Mexico, like when I used to go to Mexico, I was very welcomed to, to the entire neighborhood because of my dad. They're like, yo, your dad, your dad, like he's a G around your dad, your dad's a G around here. Like, no one with your dad, like anyone who dared like got up, they got up. Like your dad, he's like, your dad had mittens on his hands. He had like, you just a skinny little guy, but like with some mittens. And he laid everybody out and I was like, nah. But then you, you go around and you meet everyone and they all have the same fear. They all feared them and respect them, which I still don't know which one. But when I asked them because I saw the movie of wrong cells, like, which one do you have fear or respect? It's like fear or love or fear? He's like, yeah, I'd rather be feared. That's when I understood, like, okay, he just operates different than I do.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

I was gonna ask the fear the. My, my dad, all my dad's brothers are what, 50, 60? And they're all scared to death of my grandpa. My grandpa's five, three little man. They all, when he walks in there, you know what I mean? Like that he used to beat the out of them when they were kids. But I mean like on some field worker, he's just, he's just one of those mean old dudes. But that Fear. You have a different kind of fear. You have a legitimate fear. Fool can fight. My grandpa can't fight. He'll stab you first.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. What I'm saying.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, you know, never mind, never mind. Okay, okay. Maybe that's why. Okay, I get it. I get it now.

[Brian Ortega]

My grandpa, they will not take a.

[Thomas Yolis]

L. Oh, no, no. We. My grandpa's 94, 2017. So 87, he chased a full with machete out of our apartment complex that he owns because he was trying to steal his. My grandma's like, he's running down the road with a machete chasing tweakers.

[Brian Ortega]

He's 87, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

He's not. Yeah, he's like. He just got in the truck and.

[Brian Ortega]

Just can't even catch him, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, they don't even hit the ground every three steps. They float.

[Brian Ortega]

They do tweakers, man. Especially over fences. They fly over them.

[Thomas Yolis]

Right. I mean they should have Olympics like, you know, fighting chickens. Like, this is my crackhead I found. Yep. Hit him up real quick. Like, get him, get him. Like when bulls charge 50 yard dash.

[Brian Ortega]

Take a little head.

[Thomas Yolis]

Whoever gets there. There's a tall can at the end of the 50 yard dash.

[Brian Ortega]

No, I forget that there's a pipe.

[Thomas Yolis]

They'll sell that talking.

[Marty O'Neill]

There you go.

[Thomas Yolis]

I gave some lady a joint one time saying, no, I need money and go the crack. Sell the joint, lady. She goes, oh, yeah, sorry, you're on crack. I just want to give you some weed. You look nice.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

All right. So you have a legitimate figure. Dad seems scary. Is he bigger than you?

[Brian Ortega]

No, same thing. He's five seven, five, six, five seven.

[Thomas Yolis]

What is it about these little met bro?

[Brian Ortega]

When I, when I, when I walk past him, even till this day, I give him like a little thing. He's like, don't stop.

[Thomas Yolis]

How much older is your dad than you?

[Brian Ortega]

He is 65, if I'm correct.

[Thomas Yolis]

Still scary. Oh, he's got another 15 years of being scary.

[Brian Ortega]

But let me tell you something though, like one thing about him, he's not a. He's not a normal 65 year old. He's. He's someone that actually, that I admires his work ethic. That man's a worker. Like, he's, He's a workhorse.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

When wherever he goes, everyone love. They all love my dad because first he'll learn his role and then he'll assist you in all of yours. That's just how he is. And, and usually like your role in your, in your job, your place, it takes some time and Energy enough to. To get you exhausted.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, totally.

[Brian Ortega]

But he'll make himself useful to everyone in the kitchen. Plus you'll know all of your guys's stuff. So like, if he was here, like, and let's say it was a work work, he'd be like, your. All your cameras would be good and ready and then all your stuff will be better. Your stuff would be better. And he's still like, his job is still. Because he's doing it there.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

And he's just. But he won't stop. And then he comes home and you would think he'd like like a typical parent which like they throw their shoes up and like hit the couch and chill and eat. He'll hit the house and he's like, all right, fixing this, this, this and this. And I used to think like, maybe he's got issues. Like he's just. He's got a. Like. Because yeah, sometimes I used to have issues. And you just. The more motion kills emotion, right?

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah. I saw you post that.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, my homie never thought about that. Yeah. So motion kills emotion.

[Marty O'Neill]

He's just got a motor though. He's like getting done.

[Brian Ortega]

You just get done, bro. All day, all day. The grass, this here. He comes home this, this, this and that. Then he finally throws his shoes up like around 8 or 9 o'clock at night for an hour. And he falls asleep and wakes up at 4:30.

[Thomas Yolis]

My dad, man, wakes up at 4:30.

[Brian Ortega]

Again and just does it.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, exactly.

[Brian Ortega]

And I could only, I could only personally do that for maybe two to three weeks. But eventually I'm like, bro, I want to sleep in like this 430 thing, ain't it for me.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So that's why, that's why I give him credit and my respects of that because he's.

[Thomas Yolis]

He's just non stop.

[Brian Ortega]

He's different, bro. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

I was gonna tell you about my dad, but I don't understand where he gets it.

[Brian Ortega]

We play a game too. Till this day I still lose. It's like to be a man. So you go here, right? You give me your hand.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh God.

[Brian Ortega]

Make. Make a finger here.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like a finger?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, Lock your finger in deep.

[Thomas Yolis]

Okay.

[Brian Ortega]

And you go here, right? Like your hand straight now. And the game is you go this way, I go this way.

[Thomas Yolis]

Break my arm off.

[Brian Ortega]

And no, not lie, but just pretend. Go ahead.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh no, I'm done.

[Brian Ortega]

So the winner is who can take the more pain and go this way. Done. Right, so because you feel like if I start losing, go ahead. And I start going, it's like, dude, my finger's gonna break. So he, the second he grabs your finger, he kills all your like, confidence. Like the way he wraps his one finger on your finger and just like, just wraps the finger, like, just him closing his grip just for to start. You're like, I'm already like done, bro. Like, you're about to break my finger with your squeeze, dude. And, and it's just, it's just something. But he's like, that's a real man. He's like, you're not there. You're like a fighter. He's like, I'm a man. And I'm like, thanks.

[Thomas Yolis]

I feel you. That's what I feel. My dad go, how I'm. I work my ass off and you're still going.

[Brian Ortega]

He's probably saying what, you sit down and talk all day? That's you working. Come on now.

[Thomas Yolis]

See, that's what I said. I used to work with, with him doing the moving. And I'd be like, he's like, look.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm twice age and you're already sitting down.

[Thomas Yolis]

Look at me still doing it, dude. But I remember I was like 17, I had this big ass TV and he couldn't lift it himself. And I was like, all right, boy, it's over for you. And then he lifted a couch on his back. All right, maybe you got old, man.

[Brian Ortega]

They're different, man. They're different.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, yeah. Older Mexican guys. I think it's just a work eth of going, I have to work better than you.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, I think that's what it is.

[Thomas Yolis]

My grandpa still works. Oh, last year he stopped but 90s.

[Brian Ortega]

Probably doing something though, now he finally run the house like this.

[Thomas Yolis]

Last year he finally started going, oh, I'm tired and laying down. Our first time in life. In life. Oh, my uncle's still scared. Everyone's still scared of him. It is what it is, man.

[Brian Ortega]

Don't make him get up.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, no, dude. Everybody does this when he gets in the room. Because you can't drink, you can't smoke. If you don't work, you're a loser. That's my grandpa's thing. Oh, you don't work. What a loser. Yeah, and that's it. You don't have three jobs. We're not working on Sunday.

[Marty O'Neill]

Wrong with you.

[Thomas Yolis]

But I mean, he was one of the we talked about before. He's like the field workers from Mexico. They got the work permit in the 40s. My grandpa was one of the first ones to do it. So like, okay. He's been working since Then, you know, he is not stopped.

[Brian Ortega]

When my dad first touched on, he was in the fields in Fresno.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's exactly where he go from. From Merced, and he'd go to San Bernardino, and then, I mean from Mexico, San Bernardino, Bakersfield, Fresno, and do all the tomato fields with all the Filipino dudes.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, that's my dad. He. His first trip was over here was in Fresno, and it was working the fields. And after that, he went back and then he said, hey, man, I'm gonna do this like 100. It was like just a. You know, everyone says, hey, man, come to the United States.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

And, you know, a better life, better this. But if they just. It's. It's tough for support. People have their own journey, and some people have it rougher than others. Right. Enough to make them go, you know what? I want to go back home.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah. 100.

[Brian Ortega]

So. So he did it. He said, you know what? I can do this.

[Marty O'Neill]

Really?

[Brian Ortega]

So then. So, yeah, then he came back, and then he settled in. In the South Bay. He's like, I don't know why he picked that, but I'm happy he did. But that's. That's where we settled at South Bay.

[Marty O'Neill]

Can I tell you about the first time I ever heard about you? Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Good or bad?

[Marty O'Neill]

It was good. I mean.

[Brian Ortega]

All right, cool.

[Marty O'Neill]

I moved here in 2013. I started, like, Rogan and Brendan Shaw, Brian Callan for all the behind the scenes and stuff, and I've. Thousands of podcasts have been a part. But your first appearance on Brendan's MMA show was one of my favorite episodes of all time. It was very special. Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

With Henry. I went there twice.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah. With. I think it was the first time you went there was with him. We made this graphic for. I don't know if you remember this.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. With Enter.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, I remember. That was after I fought Frankie.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah. So. But that was just so, like, special to me, the way that they highlighted your life and how you went on there and told your whole story. I just want to kind of, like, get this across to our audience a little bit, like, how it happened, because it was such a unique thing where you're sitting there with your coach and he's, like, so much more than your coach. It seems like he basically saved your life. And there's probably not been too many people that got their entrance into the UFC this way, I would think. But, like, the story of, like, fighting your teacher, going through all these different high schools, quitting school, him giving you an ultimatum that you actually have to stay in school.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

But then turn it around and letting you basically train for free and work there and ushering you into, like, UFC stardom, basically from there.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

Like, and it being with the Gracies, a lot of people in our audience might not really understand who the graces are. I'm hoping you can kind of highlight their significance, like their. What they mean to MMA or whatever.

[Brian Ortega]

I mean, they were. They're royalty.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Right. When you look at any art that, you know, you say Jiu Jitsu, stand up, whatever. Well, Jiu Jitsu came from the family. Right. Jiu Jitsu came from. From the Gracie family in Brazil. The way that it is done now, before, obviously, I had Japanese Jiu Jitsu, and you can trace it all the way down to India back in the day. But the current system that we use now is Gracie or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, they call it. So. Yeah, so they're. They're royalty when it comes to that.

[Marty O'Neill]

And this is the son of the grandfather or the. The grandson, basically. Right.

[Brian Ortega]

The grandson of the eldest son of the grandmaster.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's crazy.

[Brian Ortega]

Second eldest. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

And it's in our lifetime.

[Brian Ortega]

So the guy who made it had a kid. His eldest. The eldest had a kid. And that's him. Or second eldest. But both of. But I got. I got in by both brothers.

[Marty O'Neill]

Okay.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. He don't and enter.

[Marty O'Neill]

So they already had the academy going. And your dad put you in the academy after you're getting in fights.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

And they saw something in you.

[Brian Ortega]

I, I, you know what? I was quiet even when I was on the show with Brandon. That show.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, totally.

[Brian Ortega]

The reason why he was not. He was. But I had him come on with me was because I've always had a hard time kind of elaborating. We're telling stories like he does. He can kind of get. He can tell you the story, make you understand, and. And in my head, I say things, and I think you do, but then when I see it later, I'm like, dude, I didn't say anything.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So I'm like, bro, like, help me out here.

[Marty O'Neill]

He had a different perspective of your life, though. He was like the older brother looking at your life while you were in it.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

So he was like, this is what was going on. Really?

[Brian Ortega]

So, yeah. He gives you the outside version.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Which is dope.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

I can only tell you what it was through my lens, you know, But I don't know what that looks like to other people.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, exactly.

[Brian Ortega]

And he. And he does.

[Marty O'Neill]

You guys went through all this, like the streets Are you keep getting pulled back. There's murders going on. There's all this stuff you're, like, pursuing fighting, like, not really a super common path for people. And then where does. Where does, like, the underground fight clubs come in?

[Brian Ortega]

They were just there. They were. There were places that, that just.

[Marty O'Neill]

What, age 15 before you started training with Gracies?

[Brian Ortega]

No, that was. I was already 15. Yeah, I was already a year and some changing.

[Thomas Yolis]

How did you find this?

[Brian Ortega]

Rest in peace. This guy, Joe Tomasi told me about it.

[Thomas Yolis]

He was in high school.

[Brian Ortega]

I was 15 years.

[Thomas Yolis]

Hey, dog, after math, you want to go to fight club?

[Brian Ortega]

No, no, no, no. He. He, He. He. He trained.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, okay.

[Brian Ortega]

He. He trained. And he was like, yo, man, I see you training. I know you're down. I hear all your. You know, like, because I. One thing about Jiu Jitsu, it became a safe place to share your stories with everyone right after the mat's clean and we watched the. The water dry on the mat. Certain individuals stayed behind, and we get to, like, realize we're all there to escape in one way or another. And then, you know, that's kind of when, like, the. The talks come in. He's like, well, so with you, Brian, how come it's like 10:30 at night and you're still here? You know, I'm like, I don't want to go home, man. He's like, why? Because it's hot right now, you know, Like, I'd rather just wait till it simmers down and I'm gonna take these treats, these streets, or it's less active. He's like, I can give you a ride home. Like, nah, I'd rather you not, bro, because just that ain't safe for you either. They don't know your car. Plus, you have like, his car was a silver Mustang. So I was like, nah, dog. Like, you're allowed that Coming through. Like, for sure they're gonna be like, what's up? Especially, like, I don't want to tell him. But I was like, but you're. You know, you're black. So I was like, where I. When I was growing up, it was like, hey, bro, why you. You know, they were very. That. That's basically how the. How. How it's ran. Yeah, you're this, you're this, you're that, and we don't. We don't click up together.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, that's sad as.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. So that. There's a certain reasons. But anyways, we were. We were talking, he would. And we. He got to know me, and that's when he, he said, hey, man, there's these illegal fights, bro. You should do it. Gotta lie and say you're 18, but I know you're down. And me and some other guy named Julio and some other guy named Ryan, we all three, we just said yes. And obviously like at that time, Ryan was like a brown belt. So he was like ranking wise was like, okay, that's all. Julio was like a blue maybe or purple.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh.

[Brian Ortega]

And then I still was. I was in the kids program, so I would have forgot what belt. I was probably like orange or green or something like that. We all said yes, but I said yes, not really knowing what I got in myself into.

[Thomas Yolis]

Right.

[Brian Ortega]

Like you can tell me something and I'm. I have no idea what it is. I got there and I saw the environment, I saw everything. And my foot started shaking non stop. And I was like, bro, I'm nervous and I'm scared.

[Marty O'Neill]

Where was it? Like, I imagine fight club.

[Brian Ortega]

Is it like a warehouse?

[Thomas Yolis]

Let's go.

[Brian Ortega]

It's a big old warehouse. You go in there, they have or it. But it's a gym in a warehouse.

[Marty O'Neill]

Gotcha.

[Brian Ortega]

So it's an actual school.

[Thomas Yolis]

They're just throwing illegal. That's just badass.

[Brian Ortega]

And then they sell beer there for everyone and they have things like that. It was a big facility. It had a cage and, and room in one spot. Another spot had a, like a ring, a boxing ring. Because I remember I was taking a photo there.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So it was, it was, it was dope. It's a dope gym.

[Marty O'Neill]

Could you get paid?

[Brian Ortega]

No. No.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, it's just. See if you're badass.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. I did 11 fights like that. Never got paid. Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

And you were nervous as the first time. Can you elaborate on that? Oh, okay.

[Thomas Yolis]

You see grown man with beards and.

[Brian Ortega]

My leg was shaking non stop. There's another guy, he's. He's actually an instructor to this day named Alex Stewart. And I was like, bro. I was like, I'm scared. I was like, I don't want to do this. I'm scared. Like, he was like, bro, like you already said yes, now you can't leave. I was like, but I don't know what I signed up for, bro. Like, I just said yes. He said fight. But this is like a real fight. Like we don't even have gloves. Like, we gotta put tape on our wrist. Like, this is crazy, bro.

[Marty O'Neill]

What happened?

[Brian Ortega]

The first time my dad went with me to tell the owner that I was 18 so I could fight. So. And they didn't even care, as long as my dad was cool with it. They were cool with it.

[Thomas Yolis]

He's into it. Like, your dad's so supportive. Dope. Come on, man. Go fight.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

In that. In that aspect, he was.

[Thomas Yolis]

Hell, yeah. My dad was just spun out. I told him I got to fight.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, right. He'd be happy for you.

[Thomas Yolis]

So your first fight, you go in.

[Brian Ortega]

And that was it, bro. Like, I went in there and was.

[Thomas Yolis]

A grown ass man.

[Brian Ortega]

No, he was 18.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, okay.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, yeah. They. They try to size you up similar. They're like, all right. Hey, you're a kid. He's down. This. He's a kid, you're down. And the other guys are adult. Like, it worked out perfectly. But the only issue was I was 124, soaking wet, and the guy was 155. Damn. So you're like, okay, I at that. Now I understand what that means. Well, back then, I didn't understand what that meant. Everyone was like, whoa. I was like, what? Why? You guys won't win? Like, who? Like, I see you eye to eye. That's all I care about. I don't care what your weight is.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

And. And so ignorance is bliss in that. In that aspect. So you. Till you got in there. He threw me around a little bit. I'm like, okay, now it makes sense. You're strong.

[Marty O'Neill]

As were you. Going right to Jiu Jitsu.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. First thing I did was Jiu Jitsu. We clean shop, went in first round, like, it was good. Second round, collect. Caught him with the left hook, and he, like, overpowered me. I got him. I tried to take him down. I did take him down. He bounced me off. We went to the guard, and then I went behind his arm, and I was just kind of staying still, and my leg was kind of dangling in the air, so I was stacked up, but I was dangling so he can touch my leg. So when he touches, I go around it and I lock the triangle in, which. Which was what I was known for.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So the traps went in perfectly. Locked them up, triangled it up. As he starts picking me up, I'm like, oh, this was about to slam me. So I hooked the leg. He gets me off maybe 2, like, 3, 4ft. Not 3ft off the ground. And then slams me, but not enough to really hurt me. And he slammed me. And then after that, he tapped, and it was like it was over.

[Marty O'Neill]

That's happened in the UFC also, right?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

Fools try to slam you down to the ground, and now you're.

[Thomas Yolis]

They're.

[Marty O'Neill]

Getting choked out.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

So real quick, I'm gonna go back to it. You are a good storyteller. I don't know if you know that. That was fine. I was in this. I was there. So you're fine. On that aspect, when you said I was known for that. You're known for a move at 15 is. Is. I'm just trying to process this.

[Brian Ortega]

I got you.

[Thomas Yolis]

You're like, you're already known for this. So for everyone else I know, Marty knows your story way, way better than I do for everyone else at home. And me, your dad's like, yo, you're fighting. You're getting in trouble. You need to go do this legitimately. And put you in a class? Is that how that worked?

[Brian Ortega]

No. I was fighting from five to 13 in kickboxing. Oh, okay.

[Thomas Yolis]

You know what you're doing.

[Brian Ortega]

Five years old, I was. By six years old, I was already in a ring in front of people.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's why he was pissed when you socked your sister. Now I understand.

[Brian Ortega]

I'll connect the dots. My fault.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Five to third, five to 12, you know, like. Like that area, I started kind of, like, dipping out, but so I trained. Growing up in the section eight, it was Mexicans versus blacks. So the whole time it was, hey, bro, you're down for yourself. Like, when people try to punk me, I stand up for myself. But if you don't know how to fight, it's going to be an issue. So he put me in there to learn how to fight. Just have to throw blows. That's it. You just want me to, like, my son's gonna know how to kick and throw blows, and I'll be happy with that. I ended up liking it. I was very competitive, right? I got in there, kids will beat me up. I didn't like it. I call home cry. And he would think that I didn't want to do it. I'm like, no, I just want to beat his ass now. So he's like, oh, then keep training. I said, okay, I will. And that place was a Rockham socking school. You just go in there, you just. You stretch a little bit. You hit a little. The bag a little bit, and then you just spar. And it got to the point where I would spar. Two kids, same time.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, but it was.

[Brian Ortega]

It was. It was dope, though, because it was a different level of alertness. You thought you were, like, on point one on one. When fear and. And, like, survival kick in and you have two, you're like, hit, hit, move, hit, Move, hit, move, hit. Look, hit, move. Like you're, you're. It's a different type of. Of game that you got to play, and if you make a mistake, they're obviously, they're gonna hit you. So. So that was cool. But eventually I ended up quitting. So then I got down with some guy named, you know, from. From some neighborhood. When I was 13, he already tatted down everything. And this is when I'm 13. So that at that time, you earn that type of ink, you know, I'm saying it's not just given to you or, or at a tattoo parlor. So I was afraid of him. He was 18. I was. I was 13. He came to the front for whatever reason, I don't know what, but all the guys across the street came, like, all the, like, you know, the older guys over there that. From. From wherever they were from, they came in. And then, because I would get the gloves on with my friends in the front yard who would just box for fun. We're kids. Like, hey, bro, put the gloves on.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, of course. Like, we always, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

But then this guy came. It's like, oh, you think you're badass? Blah, blah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like 18 year old.

[Brian Ortega]

I don't know. I don't know if the guys over there, because his name was Little man and he was tiny. So I wonder if, like, you know, when you think about it, I wonder if they made fun of him and kind of like, that kid could beat you up. Yeah. So he went up. I have no idea why that happened. All I know is that 13, like this, who came over here to take the gloves off, whatever. I try to go inside the house. I'm scared. I was like, nah, nah. My dad's like me or him like him. The, like, I know what you can do. Like, I'd rather just pay him all day. So we got down and then he had winning moments when he would take me down, he put me in a headlock and just take me down. So even his own homies, like, hey, stand up. Because, you know, in street fight, they're like, hey, stand up. No one knows the ground. They're like, bro, what are you doing? You know, don't be a. Let him like, stand up. We'll like, throw blows with this kid. But he didn't want to because I was getting him on the feet. Then we. We ended up getting a scuffle again and his head hit. We were in the front yard and it was all dirt, and I had this big tree, but had a. A brick. Little Thing around it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, like a flower bed.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. We fell down. He had his head on it. It was bleeding a bit.

[Thomas Yolis]

He.

[Brian Ortega]

You know, enough to. So you could see it on his hands. And then after that, they're like. Everyone was like, all right, chill, chill. It's over. I was, all right, cool. My dad was like, why'd you let him grab you? Blah, blah. You know, like, you shouldn't.

[Thomas Yolis]

Which.

[Brian Ortega]

How come you didn't know what to do on the ground? So he's telling me all these things. I said, bro, I don't even know what happened.

[Thomas Yolis]

I kickbox man.

[Brian Ortega]

But, you know, at that time, you still. You can't say that, because I don't even know what Jiu Jitsu means.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, of course.

[Brian Ortega]

I have no idea what. Like, I was like, dog, this food just grabbed me. I don't know what happened. I just started getting my ass whipped. Like, we're on the ground. He's like, how'd you even let him grab? Like, I didn't even know you can grab.

[Thomas Yolis]

I was like, that's allowed.

[Brian Ortega]

No one, like, you know, I have no idea. Like, the fights you had as a kid, as a teenager there, they're nothing like that.

[Thomas Yolis]

No.

[Brian Ortega]

You know, pulled apart. Only time you grab each other is when you wrestle with your friends, you know, but that. I never associate. I never made the two connect. Saying, I can use what I do, like a playful event in a real situation. Like, if me and you were kids and we wrestled, like, of course I'm gonna grab you, and, like, we're just gonna roll around.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

But if we're street fighters, like, no, I'm locking these up, and I'm making them touch your face. So he kind of was coaching me. And then. And then when we saw what Jiu Jitsu is, we saw the Ultimate Fighter with Hoist, fought Ken Shamrock. I don't know if you've seen those, but he's like, oh, yeah, the og. Like, no gloves. No.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like, you have the Gee. Oh, that was.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

So we started.

[Brian Ortega]

So they did a run on that on tv, and we saw that. He's like, you need to know what that guy's doing. I was like, yeah, but where am I gonna. Like, come on, bro. Like, look at that. Like, that's the Brazilian whatever. And he's like, gracie School was right up the street from us. So I was like, no. He's like, I found it. It's right here. He's like, literally, I don't have to drive you. He's like, you can just walk there, ride your skateboard. I was like, damn, let's go. Went over there. Back in the day was 130amonth. We couldn't afford that. Yeah. I went to mom, I was like, hey, mom, like, you know, I want to do this, but it's 130amonth. And she's like, no, no, no. You went to that. You know when you went to kickboxing and it was like 15, 20 bucks a month and you still didn't want to go. She like. And then you think, I'm gonna be stupid enough to pay 130 and. And you dip out on this. Not like, I'm not wasting my money. Plus, they had a thing where, like, you pay one year's tuition.

[Thomas Yolis]

Damn. A band.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, one year. It's one one year contract.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's a lot, dude.

[Brian Ortega]

So you either pay monthly or you pay it all. But it's. It's a one year contract. And then to break that one year, I forgot it cost you like half of it. So it's like rent. Yeah. When you go, you go. It's basically rent.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

And she said, the Japanese people that come to my hotel, they stay here and they train there. I'm gonna ask them for a discount. Oh, right. Sounds good.

[Thomas Yolis]

Why not?

[Brian Ortega]

A year later, I'm still asking for that discount. I'm like, what's up with this place? That was supposed. Because I went up to the school and I love, loved it. Just staring outside, I was like, you know, it was. It was afraid, but I loved it. Right? I was like, it was, yeah, I'm actually down to try this. So then my dad got a little, like, frustrated and he went to the bank, got all the money out, paid the full tuition, and I was signed up. I got a free uniform, I got a ghee. Like, you know, the robe, whatever. I was like, it's dope. The belt, I don't know how to tie it. Whatever. But it was cool. I'm in for a year. Then I went home and, you know, you just hear them in the room arguing and bickering about, like, why would you do that? That's stupid. That's responsible. You know, we got things we got to pay for, you're spend on. So it was, it was, it was, you know, a correct argument on their side, because obviously he didn't have communication to. To tell her that. And then she was like, no, I'm trying to get a discount. And you can see where the frustration happened, of course, because he's like, you've Been saying that, like, you're full of it. And she was like, no, I'm not.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like, he has no ground game.

[Marty O'Neill]

What, was there a piece of your dad that wanted you to be, like, a UFC star or not? Was it not like that?

[Brian Ortega]

I've never sat down with them and actually fully, like, had a transparent conversation about it.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

But even my brother knows, and he's 14 years apart. Right. So this is how we know we have the same father, as in terms of what he tells us. And his whole thing is with my work ethic and the way I am, if someone gave me the chance, he's like, I used to sit outside the gym and wish. Wish that I could just join boxing. He's like, had I joined boxing, had, like, my father put me into it, he goes, I would have been a world champ. And you hear a lot of people say that, and you're like, yeah, you're full of whatever, you know, you know your kids, though. But then, like, when I see him in the way he is and in the street, like, I. That's one thing I don't question or doubt. And I've been in this game long enough. And it's not because I say, oh, my dad's my hero, whatever. Because, you know, like, a lot of us have that. I genuinely believe it. I'm like, bro, had I know you, like, had you been given the shot like, you would have. We would have did lived a different life. So maybe that's why he was investing in you. Yeah, he was invested. Plus, growing up, the way I did figure out how to get his love was by fighting. So there. There's for sure a lot of things that connect there.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. But to even take it to a certain level, I think at 20, 23 or so, that's kind of when I joined the UFC, is when I told him, I said, hey, man, just so you know, because I had to get it out, I was like, yeah, I don't do this for you. Like, it ain't about you. It's about me. I actually love this. I did in the beginning because I want to make you proud, whatever, and get some sort of, like, love or acknowledgment. I said, but you ain't giving me nothing. I'll go, so the hell with you. Right? It's like, I'm doing it for me now. So that's when I had, like, my freedom. But I already. By the time, I'm right in the ufc, though.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So it's like, my first fight in the UFC, 23. And I'm like, all right, well, now we're doing it on. On your terms because you love it, because you want to see how far you can get.

[Marty O'Neill]

It was like him coming to America, basically. Like, I'm doing this shit. For me, this is my shit.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

You and ufc?

[Brian Ortega]

Absolutely. Actually, that's a good. That's a good connection with her.

[Thomas Yolis]

We have a sponsor that I know you guys are going to love, because I know there's a huge gaming community out there. In this episode, we are about to get into a lot of gaming talk. And while we're on the top, before we get into that, actually, we want to talk about ibuypower.com first off, shout out to them. They're the ones we got our PC from. Remember how we said Martina said live switching and for sure start streaming. I buy Power got us our PC. Every single thing. A to Z setup. We are ready to go. IBuyPower.com shout out to you for helping us out with this entire thing, making it easy. Streamline. We got the top of the line PC for this show. We're going to start going live stream. IBuyPower.com they're having a huge clearance sale. Gaming accessories, gaming monitors, PC parts, PC maintenance, gaming setups, laptops, refurbished stuff, apparel. They have every single thing. Thank you so much for making this easy for us and for everyone out there. Thank you for supporting the brands that support us. IBuyPower is now allowing us to live Switch. This is us getting into what we need to be getting into, and IB Power made that streamlined and easy. Let's get right back in this episode with all this gamer talk we're about to get into. Shout out to IBuyPower. Once again, we really appreciate you have a dope as day, hoping that you.

[Marty O'Neill]

Can, like, give us some insight into this. Your fight with Max Holloway, in my mind, is like, it's up there with Robbie Lawler and Rory McDonald in terms of, like, just toughness and, like, battle with the epitome of what the UFC is supposed to be about. When you're deep in the fourth and fifth round and you're that injured and that hurt, what's your inner conversation like? How are you talking to yourself to keep yourself going when you're in. You're in such a bad way and you're just so hurt and to keep pushing forward, like, are you even talking to yourself?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, a thousand percent.

[Marty O'Neill]

It's not just autopilot.

[Brian Ortega]

The only person I was talking to was myself. That fight. Yeah. So there's no excuses I lost. Right. But the backstory of that was I fought sick, and I knew I was sick, and I knew I was getting my ass whooped. I knew I was gonna lose that fight, which is why back backstage, I punched a hole through the wall because I was pissed. And the commission was like, yo, like, they're pit. That's. You can't punch a hole through the wall back there. It's still their. Their venue.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

But I still did. I was. You know, you're pissed off.

[Marty O'Neill]

You felt unprepared.

[Brian Ortega]

I just. I knew I wasn't ready. Like, my body's. I'm 140something. I didn't gain any weight. I still have the runs. Like, there's a lot of things behind it. So I was like, all right. Plus, like, the mental warfare, like, his bus was in front of mine. His bus said king on top of it. Like, there's just a lot of things that you're looking at. You're like, they all. This don't add up. And then now I'm in the arena, and I'm trying to like something, and I still have the runs, and it's still going on. And so now you're just getting deeper in your head, and then you're like, things ain't right. They check your weight. I'm usually 165. I was 156.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh.

[Brian Ortega]

I was like, bro, I didn't gain nothing. I was like, really?

[Marty O'Neill]

Like, from your weight cut, you're saying.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, I only gained 11 pounds. I usually go all the way to 65 the next day.

[Thomas Yolis]

So to put on weight.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

How do you put on that much weight so fast?

[Brian Ortega]

Water and food.

[Thomas Yolis]

Okay.

[Brian Ortega]

But done correctly.

[Thomas Yolis]

So literally, packing on weight, there's a.

[Brian Ortega]

There's a scientific way to do it. Yeah. Because you can't deplete your body that much and then put it all back immediately. So it's. It. The whole 24 hours after the weigh in, it's another job to put the weight back.

[Thomas Yolis]

Whoa.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. So your job's not over with. You enjoy that job, obviously, because it's food, but you also can't even eat as much because your stomach is small.

[Marty O'Neill]

Do you think there could ever be a world where. The ufc, where it doesn't have to be like that?

[Brian Ortega]

Currently, no. Yeah. From what I'm looking at. Currently, no.

[Thomas Yolis]

Every pound really matters, though, especially when you're in world. Top of the world fighters.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. So. And then. And then my team and I. I was fighting with the coaches I had at the time, too, and Me and him were just, like. We were just bumping heads to the point where, like, before I even walked out, we were arguing, you know, about, like, who has the mic on. He just. He wanted the mic. I still don't understand the. The logic there, but it was. I won't say too much, right. Because I don't want to be like, someone trying to throw shape. Yeah, but that's what it was, bro. Like, it was just a lot of. A lot of BS things that. Now that I'm looking at, I'm like, yeah, I should have never been dealing with that.

[Thomas Yolis]

No.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, him kind of giving me, like, the cold shoulder during the fight, because it's like, come on, dog. You know? So it was little things like that. But, yeah, I already walked in, you know? Like, it's. It's a bad night. So all I'm. All I'm hoping is on Hanner and myself. But then after, you know, the third. Fourth. Right, the fourth round, yeah. After, like, when the fourth round was done, I was like, I still got this. I. I knew that my only chance at beating him is now. He's tired of literally hitting me like this. Who's tired of hitting me? Like, I'm looking over, and he's like. Like, he's huffing and puffing. I'm like, this was tired of.

[Marty O'Neill]

You took, like, 300 strikes.

[Brian Ortega]

I don't even know. But it just.

[Marty O'Neill]

I looked it up.

[Brian Ortega]

It never stopped. Yeah, it never stopped from. From when it started to. To when it was done. It never stopped. And all I could think of was, like, this fourth round. You're mine. That was my mind. Like, you're mine. You're done hitting me. Like, your hits, I don't even feel them anymore. And it's not that they weren't. Like, it's not to discredit him. I just wasn't. I. I couldn't feel him, obviously. My nose was broken. Both of my hands were broken.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, so how do you keep punching, bro?

[Brian Ortega]

My broken thumbs. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, so you really don't know.

[Brian Ortega]

It makes sense when I try to grab them, why I had no grips. But at that time, you don't realize that because of adrenaline, so. But I'm telling myself, like, dude, like, right now, all I need is one shot. I need one takedown, one. This one. Like, just. Or one rap and it's over. But. And I never quit on myself. That's one thing. Did it look like I should have? Absolutely. When you look at that fight, you're like, oh, this was getting murdered for Four rounds. The third one was pretty good. That's when the coach started talking to me, actually. But then after that, it was, it was, it. It was back to. To around ones and two.

[Marty O'Neill]

You know, I think that fight let people know, like, this motherfucker is different to me. Like, put you in the upper echelon of the toughest guys.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. Thank you. But that's what it was. But I never. I never quit on myself even when. And that's just in my life in general. And everything looks. Looks horrible. I'm gonna still go, bro, you've had.

[Marty O'Neill]

A very dramatic career. I mean, you go on this huge win streak, you fight for the bell. Some come like so close and some would say, I mean, I wanted to get your thoughts on this too. You're still just entering your prime, basically 33, but I don't know how you feel physically. Shoulder came out in the fight you've had.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

You had to take two years off to like, replenish yourself.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. That's the good thing about the surgeries where you get time off, right? You get time off. You get time to deflect a reflect actually on. On a lot of. Of your life. Right. A lot of people tell you that when they have surgeries and we're the type of people we are, those. Those are the craziest times for us. Because if you're like me, you self destruct. I'd go back to the neighborhood, I start making old ties, like, connecting old ties because. Because I'm bored out of my mind. Oh, you know, you're like, bro, I don't know what to do. I have all this energy.

[Thomas Yolis]

You train 24 7.

[Brian Ortega]

I have know what to do. So like, hey, dog, what's up? What you're doing? What you doing? Are you doing this? I don't want to do this, but let's go, you know, so you're just like, you're putting yourself in different situations that normally if you were in camp or, or focus, discipline or focus, you wouldn't be doing that. Of course, when you're young and you got a little bit of money now and all that, then you start, you know, I put myself in the bad places.

[Marty O'Neill]

It's dangerous.

[Brian Ortega]

But the good part was my body was preserved from the damage, Right?

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Because for nine months, I didn't do nine months of hard training anymore because my life is wake up, run, come back, shower, eat, train, shower, eat, sleep, train. Like the whole day. The whole day, every day, two to three sessions a day like always. Always. They're they're either light or they're hard. Off season, lighter in season. You're going for it.

[Marty O'Neill]

When you say in season, that means in training camp.

[Brian Ortega]

In training camp, yeah. Well, because we're like, fighters don't really have. It's not like. Like a basketball or something. So I, I call off season where you don't have a fight lined up. And then in season is when you sign a contract to fight in. In eight weeks or ten weeks.

[Thomas Yolis]

How many fights you have a year on the average?

[Brian Ortega]

I try to fight twice.

[Thomas Yolis]

Wow.

[Marty O'Neill]

And where, where are you at with it now? Because you fought in the sphere, which.

[Brian Ortega]

Was a few months, I thought, yeah, looking.

[Thomas Yolis]

I watched that thing live a little crazy.

[Brian Ortega]

So, yeah, last year I thought, yeah, eating and Lopez and. And that was two. And then this year, you know, two months. Two fights take up roughly six. Six months of your. Of your life.

[Thomas Yolis]

You know, that's the thing you don't see. You just see the tail of the tape and these guys come out. I'm like, for 364 days, these fools have been training.

[Marty O'Neill]

I think about that through every fight. That's all I'm thinking about is even stand up. They went up through to lead up to it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Pushing a guy for three minutes, you're like 99. That's what I'm saying. You're excurring. So I used to do wrestling and stuff. I'm dying within 45 seconds.

[Marty O'Neill]

I'm.

[Thomas Yolis]

The hot breath and the sweat hits your mouth. Like, I'm done doing rounds.

[Marty O'Neill]

Hitting the bag is brutally exhausting.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like, I think the nerves are gone for you, though. You've been in a fight. Like, I think for average person, when you get in a street fight over a parking spot or something, it's. Most of it's like, please don't get knocked out. Don't get slept. I think that's the number one thing an average person in the street fight. Like when you're in high school, what's the number one thing? Like, don't hit me. I need to knock this fool out. But like, if you don't have any training, I think the adrenaline alone will take all your energy off.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

You know what I'm saying? So quick question. When you were younger and you were. When the. A teenager. Right. You're. Now that we know you were. You were trained kickboxer.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Is it the people you're around that you start getting in trouble with in high school, or is it you? That's. That's like, I'm just mad and I Want to fight? These fools happen to get into all the time, so I'll chill with them. Because if you sell, your dad's one of the most upstanding fools I've ever heard. None of my friends dads are around. There was no dads around. You know what I mean? Like, I never saw. I got one homie. Dad's a cop and he's mean. That's it.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

So your dad being around, actually putting lessons into your life is pretty. Because my dad did the opposite. He's like, yo, I beat your mom. Like, I know. I watched it for four.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

So it's like a different. It's different for me. So for you, what caused you. My mom just said, I will break your legs or I'll stab you if you hang out with the gang bangers. We talked about it. My mom's serious. She's. She's the tough one.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

What, from the fear of your dad and didn't scurry, like, sway you away from hanging out with these. I mean, if you're getting fights and doing gang fights with fools, these are not the people to be dealing with. I mean, I know they're your homies. I have homies just like that now. They were construction. They're happy and. But, like, what caused you to see that's appealing because if you can hold your own, most fools, like, I get jumped a lot, so I hang out with these fools. But you can fight. So, like, what is. What was the thing that's appealing for you to go, let me chill with these fools?

[Brian Ortega]

I think it was 30, you know, 70. 30, 70. There. They're the reasons why we get into 30. Me, maybe even 20. If you know me, you really got to start some with me personally. Then I'll answer your call. But even to get me there, it's like, you know, like I said, there's. You have to disrespect me. And then I. I'll tell you verbally. I'm like, hey, check yourself. Like, what's up with that? I don't mind pulling you to the side. Like, hey, what's up? Hey, what's cracking? We're like the crowd. Like, let's. Let's. Let's talk one on one. What's up? Oh, it's how you feel? All right, then let's knuckle up. And very few people were willing to do that. When you pull someone out to the side that you'd be surprised how they're not. They're not tapping anymore.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

That. You know, they Work in with the crowds. So that was. That was the advice my dad gave me and I always took it. So that's why I say 20 me, which was. We would find ourselves in some. Because of me.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

But 80 or 70 was. Was because, you know, because the homies.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. And to answer the question of was I afraid of my dad? Had he disciplined me for that, I would have.

[Thomas Yolis]

Okay.

[Brian Ortega]

But that's not something he disciplined. If anything, he helped me out there. I remember being in high school and. And us having a scuffle, whatever, and getting jumped and these fools calling like the older homies and the older fools will come trying to like gun us down. And during broad day off the fight, you know, I know, you know. You know what it is, bro, when you grow up the way, you know, like that. So, so we running in high school for our lives and people think, oh, you're full of. But it's like, dog, look up the stats, homie. Look how it was. Like it was. These fools were stupid. We would fight. We would fight grown up, grown ups after school, like from. From neighborhoods. And. And they're like, oh, we were just down for our. But we would be running and I. And. And the, the best part about it was I could always rely on my dad. We would be running for I don't know how long, whatever. But every time you run and you pop out in the main street, you got to go and hit hide in the cut again. So it was like a. A cat and mouse game to get home. And then we finally hit like places where we're stuck and you're like, dog, none of us have an eject button or like. Or like a phone to frame, you know, like, we don't got that. And we weren't from the neighborhoods. We like. The neighborhoods that grew up around us, they didn't like us either because we didn't want to join them, you know, so that was the issue with that. We would. If. If we were connected with them, we would call them and. And watch just a war unleashed.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

But we didn't even like these either. So we were just for ourselves. So I would call my dad. I'm like, hey man, like, I need you to just quick come by. We jump in your truck and just dip. He's like, how bad is bad? Like just. We just run, jump, and that's it. He would like pull up to a spot that I already did. We. I kind of already told him how to do it. We don't jump in the back of the truck, lay Back. And then he would just zoom out with us. And I was like, hey, Pops, thank you. He's like, I don't get you kids, man. He's like. I was like, these ain't kids. These are adults.

[Thomas Yolis]

They're just mad. They could beat their asses.

[Brian Ortega]

He's like, adults trying to shoot you. I'm like, yeah. He's like, I don't get these guys, man. And that was it. And then when I would fight and score or whatever, then he would just be like, so how'd it go? Did it. You know, did you win or how was it? Or this and that. And there was no discipline for me in that aspect where it was if I did something like fight or even hang out with people, like, that was the issue. Should I even still remember where, bro, we would be some crazy stuff going on in the neighborhood, and it was all packed or whatever, and I'm in the roof, you know, I'm in. I'm in someone's roof, whatever. Like, calling them, like, hey, like, I need you on the side in case comes. Like, if. If everything goes crazy, like, bullets are gonna fly. And, like, everyone's got their escape route. And a lot of these people live. Live right here. So they're gonna go right home, like, to their house. I still got, like, a mile to run, and that's a lot when they're trying to chase you. And. And he would be there, but he would also coach me through it. Like, I remember I used to. I used to go to the neighborhood and I'll ride my bike. And. And sure enough, man, you know, the lights turn off, and then sure enough, you hear the pops. And then you're like, all right, you know, I'm running for my life. So he would do random tests on me. I'll be like, hey, man, I'm. I'm dipping out, whatever. And time passes by, and I'm headed back home. And sure enough, I see a light. Lights go off. I'm like, ditch the bike. Run. Blah, blah. And one time, I specifically remember, he. He. He. He caught me slipping. And I had enough time to ditch the bike but hide underneath the car. In my head, I thought I was slick. And then he's like, brian. And I heard his voice. I was like, brian. I'm like, that. He's like, what the. Did you go into the car?

[Thomas Yolis]

I was like, I would have shot you.

[Brian Ortega]

That's what he told me. He's like, bro, if I wanted you, it's like, I would have got you on the butt. That's the worst way to die.

[Thomas Yolis]

On the ground, stuck.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, stuck in the bottom of a car. I'm like, whoa, why are you doing this, bro? Like, what the. Like, you're really with my emotions right now. He was like, I gotta keep you ready, bro. Like, if this is the environment you're gonna be in with or without my consenter or. Because obviously I knew how he felt about it. Don't get me wrong. It's not like he never told me, like, hey, bro, I don't like you with these guys. He did. He said, hey, man, these are. These are this. This. This type of character, and you are who you hang out with.

[Thomas Yolis]

100.

[Brian Ortega]

So. So. And he's like, so to me, I see you as the same. But clearly when you're that age, like 15, 16, 17, and you start getting like that, you know where I can't hit him anymore, because if anything, he just. He goes and steers off in the. In the direction you're already trying to get him away from. He goes even deeper in there.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So he understood that. So he was like, let me just help him survive there. Like, let me teach you her. Like, hey, punches feel like this. When it starts feeling different, you're getting stabbed. When you fight, he's like, you're used to, you know, jiu jitsu and this and that. He goes in the street. You don't do that. Because I remember I was in ninth grade and I fought my sister's boyfriend, and I did an arm lock on him, and I thought he'd be proud. Like, bro, I choked this guy out. Or like, I caught this guy in the arm bar. They jujitsu in the street. He's like, the stupidest thing ever. He's like, never go to the ground. The street. I was like, what?

[Marty O'Neill]

Why?

[Brian Ortega]

He's like, you allow someone to kick your head. Like, you know, so then all this wisdom from his experience are coming in when I'm in ninth grade, and it's.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's.

[Brian Ortega]

For me, it's gladiator school. But that. That's kind of what it was with him. It was just, if I can't get this kid to come back with words, then I have to teach him how to survive in his environment. And I. I, you know, I have kids now, and I'm like, hell, no, not at all.

[Thomas Yolis]

You're moving to Canada.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, right. Like, I'm like, I'm doing something. But, you know, it worked out. You know, they got it worked out. A lot of close calls, but it worked out.

[Thomas Yolis]

So did you End up ever getting. Going to jail for doing. For hanging out with all these fools.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Okay. So you work. You were actively getting in trouble in high school?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. Oh, yeah. Yeah, we were with it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

I just ran to someone last night. Well. Who was like, hey, dog. Like, you fools. He's like, you fools put in work. He's like, more than. More than the neighborhoods. And I don't mean that with disrespect, but. But, you know, that's. That's the story we got down.

[Thomas Yolis]

Okay. So I'm just trying to. You're a great storyteller. This is a mini movie right here. So. So I'm just trying to imagine this. So you're calling your dad like, yo, I might get shot. Come pick me up.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

So he's always. He's always there for you. So you're not one of these.

[Brian Ortega]

Writer.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. But now one of these times, you're like, none of these fools like to punch. I should get away from these. Well, they want to shoot at me like that. That. That isn't because you're a fighter. You're not going to just start shooting at fools first. You're. You're a fighter. You're going to knock somebody out first, and then they get pissed and come shoot you.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

So that's the cycle you're going through every day.

[Brian Ortega]

That's. That's all it was. It was. We. We had problems or by say we, obviously, I'm hanging out with my homies.

[Thomas Yolis]

You and your friends.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. So, you know, I said we have problems with so and so or whatever. After school, we find ourselves in a situation, and then, you know what. What happens is, like, what I told you, these guys, they couldn't take a loss.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, most people, because we were very.

[Brian Ortega]

Competitive, even in our nature. Like the crew that I was with, we're competitive, bro. Like, when I tell you competitive, we're arguing. We're fighting each other. That's how come when. If it's a competition, let alone other people, we're gonna lose to them. Especially in a group setting where we have eyeballs on us. Because now it's like our reputation. Now it's what. You know, it's everything. And at that time, for some reason, that means the world. And when you break someone's ego like that, when they're. When we're teens and we. We. We beat these guys up, they're gonna get on the phone and be like, yo, I just got. You know, these fools just with me, whatever come through, and these guys looking for any reason to get us Happily, they ain't got. They got better to do. They're up the street, so they come up, you know, they come in loaded and they come look for you. So. And then that's what it was. So you have to just. On the fair one, we got you. After the fair one, we got a dip. Or if we're hanging out, then we gotta watch out too, because. Because that's the way they got us too. They found out where we started hanging out and. And then they started, you know. You know, they started to start shooting at us while we're hanging out. So that's kind of what. What. What life looked like at those teenage years.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. You're all my other cousins, the ones I didn't chill with. That's what they were doing. Yeah. My mom would not allow me around that at all. And they started just selling drugs. But you know what I'm saying? That's what I didn't. I knew all the gangsters are like, oh, he's got the QPS for cheaper. I'm like, I know I do, but I mean, when Mercedes. Small town, everybody knows each other.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like, if five of my friends. I'm the only one that's not a gang banger. And the reason ones are like. Like, I like red a lot. And they shave their head and they start going crazy. Well, that's where I'm from. Like, I know.

[Brian Ortega]

I was. I was over there. Yeah, they try to. They try to get at me too.

[Thomas Yolis]

Of course, it's your hair, though.

[Brian Ortega]

No, it was where I'm from.

[Thomas Yolis]

Well, I'm just saying that your hair. You look like you're from the north. You're from the north.

[Brian Ortega]

No, don't even say that, dog.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'm saying. Dude, I'm sorry, but, like, I'm just saying long hair.

[Brian Ortega]

I don't even say it, like, to, you know, to blast it like that, but I'm a southerner.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, no, I get it. I'm saying, like, up there, long hair is like. That's like. That's common. Like you. Most gang fools got long hair just where I'm from, at least. Or cornrows.

[Brian Ortega]

No, yeah, yeah, you're right. You're right.

[Thomas Yolis]

So, like, where I'm growing up, that's what it is.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. Because. Because the. The girl who braids me, she lives. She's from Fresno, and. And I. I noticed that she braids a lot of people. And she, you know, she. She let me know, like. Yeah, a lot of guys over here have long Hair.

[Thomas Yolis]

And they braided constantly, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

But we grew up here. Growing up here was different.

[Thomas Yolis]

Right.

[Brian Ortega]

Obviously, you're a certain type of race if you braid your hair, so. So even me braiding my ear in the UFC was like, something new. But obviously they keep the long hair. I have to do something about it. Yeah, yeah, that's how. That's another story. But that's how I just learned how to braid hair.

[Thomas Yolis]

What do you mean, another story? To keep the hair.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. If I want to fight and keep the hair, then I had a braid.

[Thomas Yolis]

I mean, obviously, I can't fight.

[Brian Ortega]

Wear like this.

[Thomas Yolis]

Someone pull that, right?

[Brian Ortega]

Well, if it comes undone, then I'm screwed. That's why if. Even if you see girls fighting, you can't have, like, a ponytail. The only. The only exception that I've seen with someone like that has hair in their face is Clay Guida.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. Remember that?

[Brian Ortega]

But other than that, I've never seen anybody else.

[Thomas Yolis]

You know what I'm talking about?

[Brian Ortega]

Everybody else does something about their hair.

[Thomas Yolis]

And that's just a. That's just a defense thing. Right? Because you can't. Obviously can't see.

[Brian Ortega]

But the commission does it as well now. Yeah, they enforce it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, really?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, I didn't know that.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

I think you look more insane with your hair out. You know what I'm saying? Remember Diego Sanchez when he had that little curls.

[Brian Ortega]

That's cool if it comes here, but, like, come on. This is.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. And like I said back to Vega. It's a Vega look. Street fighter.

[Marty O'Neill]

What's the UFC's current policy on weed? It's all good now, right?

[Brian Ortega]

It's good. Yeah. Even. Even. Yeah, Even the states. Even the states that are, like, they ban it, it's just a fine.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Like New York, when I fought in New York, when my shoulder popped out, the commission, I got fined for. For weed.

[Thomas Yolis]

For having me in your system. Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh, I. The guy's like, hey, man, we're gonna take a pissed. I was like, all right. I was like, hey, quick question. I was like, is. Is. Is weed or, you know, banned here? Because I had no idea. He's like, it is. And I was like, well, I'm telling you straight up. Like, I'm. I'm done. He's like, why are you telling me? I was like, like, you're gonna find out anyway, dog. I'm telling you right now. Like, shut up. He's like, well, what? Like, no, not peds, but, like, I had edible last night to go to sleep. Like, it's just Everything going on a million miles an hour. Like, it just helps to calm me down. And I can just rest. So I'm gonna piss off. He's like, well, we'll have to deal with that one, and we'll deal with it. I was like, all right, cool. Fought with the fight. Ended up being what it was anyways. But then after I get, like, a fine for, like, I think, like a couple Hundred bucks.

[Thomas Yolis]

100.

[Brian Ortega]

A couple hundred bucks.

[Marty O'Neill]

And then they made it legal in New York, right?

[Brian Ortega]

I have no idea.

[Marty O'Neill]

Now it's legal in New York because.

[Brian Ortega]

This was just 20.

[Marty O'Neill]

It's recently.

[Brian Ortega]

This was 20 something.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah. This has been legal for, like, three or four years now.

[Brian Ortega]

I fought in the last three, four years.

[Marty O'Neill]

Extra.

[Brian Ortega]

The commission over there. Yeah, the commission in New York for athletes. At least for fighters. And they still don't. They're still not on board.

[Thomas Yolis]

Question. Where does the weed find money go? Who pockets the weed? Fine money. Someone's buying weed with the weed. Find money, bro. There's no way. A couple hundred. Don't trip. I need a sack. That's what it sounds like. Kind of almost. Nah.

[Brian Ortega]

But you know, it's legit because it comes, like, in the form of a letter, like, with. With the.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'm gonna start doing that to people. You owe me 200 for two ounces a week. Formal letter with a stamp. I have a stamp on my name. I bought it because I thought it was cool.

[Brian Ortega]

No, but the only reason they would know is because you have the. You have the. The. The test results, Right? So they tell you you peed this much? Well, like, we know they have their numbers and stuff like that, so, yeah, you gotta be.

[Thomas Yolis]

Besides, the night before the fight, do you smoke at all during. While you're in camp? Versus Not.

[Brian Ortega]

Not really, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

It's too much.

[Brian Ortega]

You know what? It was. I never smoked. I mean, I used to smoke a lot. I used to do everything. Like those teenagers talking about, I did everything. Well, I. I mean, you name it, I did it.

[Thomas Yolis]

And you.

[Brian Ortega]

Except for heroin, but everything else, I did it. Yeah. I mean, yeah, I was up, I was down, I was sideways. I was in another world. Like, just. But I was just never gone. Like.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like, that's too much.

[Brian Ortega]

I just. I got afraid of it. Because what they told me. What it makes you feel like is that it's actually everything that. At that time, I was like, it would be comforting. Yeah. But they said, yeah, so I want.

[Thomas Yolis]

To do this and float in my room. Hey, do not worry about nothing.

[Brian Ortega]

So I can do It. But when you see the effect, you're like, I don't know if I can kick that one. You know, like. Like when I smoked everything else or what I did, whatever, I could do it. And. And if right now you say, hey, stop doing this. I didn't have an addictive personality, but to that one, I was like, that. That'd be the one that gets me.

[Thomas Yolis]

I think so, too. We've talked about on the show before, if I make it to 88, going to China opium den. I mean, if I'm gonna live that long, I need to experience what it's like to float, you know what I'm saying, For three days. You know, some of those go for three days. You know that.

[Brian Ortega]

I know my. I've lived and seen them.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, I'm talking about the opium dens. There's a person that sits with you, make sure you're hydrated for days. They hit you with opium, and you're in a room, like, with all pads all over the walls all. And you just. I can't wait to make it to 88 years old. Dude, that's gonna be sick.

[Brian Ortega]

You won't even think like that. You won't think like that.

[Thomas Yolis]

I hope so.

[Brian Ortega]

You make it that age, bro, you the last thing you think about. I think so. We'll.

[Thomas Yolis]

We'll see. I don't know. I love psychedelics. I love. I like doing this. Is this real earth? And then going, oh, my. That's right. And then coming back to it, like in psychedelic. I just like being in. In dream states where you're like, oh, I can jump 50ft, let's go. I just like that. What's up, guys? Taking a moment from this extremely long episode to talk about one of our favorite sponsors. And this is my bookie right now. If you go to my book or click the link in the description, any bet, anything you do, use our code. Dope, as usual. They're gonna match you up to a thousand dollars on your first bet. If you have a homie sitting right next to you, make them sign up. Bet 100 bucks and this automatic 200 bucks, because my bookie will match your bet. So right now, if your team is still in the running, and I hope they are, Betsy, some money on if you're gonna bet. But if you're gonna bet, make sure it's my boogie, because you can bet anything, anytime, anywhere, even from the comfort of your bathroom at work. Playoff season. NCAA championships Coming up. There's ufc. Shout out to Brian Ortega for this episode, too. Next Time he fights. Put your money on Brian. We have the playoffs coming up. Hopefully the Bills win the super bowl this year. Let's just stop talking about it. Hopefully it does. And besides that, guys, every time you use that code, you're helping us out. Thank you very much. Remember, they're going to match up to a thousand dollars. If you already bet and you got some money, make your friends sign up and bet through that, no matter what you do, all the way up to $1,000. My book, you will match it. $20, $5,5800. They're going to match it. But remember to use our code when you're checking out. Wherever you're at on my bookie, use our code dope as usual, and it's going to get you this deal. What's up, guys? It's 2025. Make sure you start this year off the right way. And go groom your groin. Nobody wants sweaty balls in the winter. And if you do, make sure you use a crop preserver or ball deodorant. Shout out to Manscape for being our longest sponsor ever. From this head to this head, right? Make sure everything's not gross. They have stuff for your beard. Keep it nice with the beard hedger pro kit. They got beard lotion, beard oil scissors if you're one of those hipsters. If you want to give yourself a little Captain Hook, you can with the Lawnmower 5.0 power shape gel, refillable razors, ear and nose hair trimmers. They have. We're on package 5.0. Shout out to Manscaped. All right. They keep stepping it up to make sure you're not gross. So once again, if you're going to buy one thing or the entire package on everything on the site, if you use our code code Yola. If you check out at manscaped.com forward/yola or just go to manscaped once, check out use code YOLA. That's 20% off plus free shipping. Free shipping already is awesome. And you get 20% off just by using our code code YOLA. And when you use that code, you're only helping us out. So thank you so much. If you want to get this for a significant other, just do it. Make sure you use our code YOLA. 20% off plus free shipping. Back to the episode.

[Marty O'Neill]

Do you like psychedelics?

[Brian Ortega]

No.

[Thomas Yolis]

No. I would say if you were training for your whole life, be kind of hard to take psychedelics and training.

[Brian Ortega]

A lot of people do. A lot of people didn't take much. I know a lot of Fighters. And they're all. They, you know, they all have their fun, you know. But for me, personally, like I told you, I smoke. I don't even smoke. I got this guy named Dr. Andy Goplin, and. And obviously all my trainers, like, Mike's a fly and stuff like that. But they're the main two that go, like, to the what? They're the main two that say any smoke in your body is that. They go, I don't care if it's a what. It don't matter. Yeah, from Earth, you know, it's weed. It's, you know, it's Mother Nature, everything. It's still smoke. So my way to go around it was like, well, what if I eat it? Like, actually, problem solved. Like I said, problem solved. Do they go, but what. What is it for? Like, they dive deeper into me, right? They're like, are you going through something? Are you trying to escape the real world? Like, they go, like, deeper into, like, the root of. Of why it is that you're doing it. And it was like, well, I don't sleep. I'm in my head a lot. Well, they brought a whole team. Like, NASA was at my house doing a whole. Like, if I had some crazy machines, it was like, this guy Andy Galplin is. Is the man when it comes to, like that. I had professional text athletes, man, bro. No, I've said I've met a lot of them. Athletes don't have that.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh. Oh, it's just because of this man.

[Brian Ortega]

It's because of him. I'm crediting it to him. Not even like, the fact that he. He, like, me and him work together. That's a huge blessing for me.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, wow.

[Brian Ortega]

Because this guy is. Is years ahead of him. Him and Huberman have the number one podcast.

[Marty O'Neill]

That's where I knew his name from.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, he's all over.

[Brian Ortega]

Him and Huberman are like the guys right now. And Andy, I've known him before. He. He hit like, to that level, the status that he's in right now. And he told me, he's like, I only work with people because I want to work with them. So you're one of them. Other than that, I'm not taking client. Like, I'm chilling now. Like, you just got a. He's. He's set, he's good and. But his. His. His. His knowledge about the body and everything is crazy. So he's. He's the guy that actually was like, any smoke is bad.

[Thomas Yolis]

I believe that. I know, because I.

[Brian Ortega]

And he brought it.

[Marty O'Neill]

We have. This could be on Here. And he was telling us about the science that goes into his, like, well being, even as a retired fire.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's why I got this. This is his first engine drink since 12th grade.

[Brian Ortega]

TJ's. TJ knows a lot of that.

[Thomas Yolis]

His body.

[Brian Ortega]

The guy that he's worked with, Sam. Right. Sam is like his Andy. So the way Sam is to him, Andy is to me.

[Marty O'Neill]

And is it like, super intense with them constantly monitoring everything that's going on with your body?

[Brian Ortega]

The more. Or when you're. When you're a scientist at that level and you realize how to manipulate your body, how it works, you want to keep data.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So that's where all that comes in. You're like, all right, you had this energy drink. How did you feel? All right, cool. You felt this? This. Did it work? Did it get the job done? Did you feel more alert? Did you remember this? All right, cool. What were you going through this day? Did you sleep eight hours? Did you not sleep eight hours?

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, wow.

[Brian Ortega]

So there's. They dive in, crazy into reasons, even just the reason why you're doing all that.

[Thomas Yolis]

Why do you drink that? Do you not feel alert enough? I feel you. Because it's the first energy. Like, it's forever.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, Andy cut me off coffee, and he cut me off this, cut me off that. Like, when I met Andy, I was like, no more caffeine, no more this, no more smoking, no more. Like, I was like, dog, am I being punished for hiring you? Like, come on now. Like, what's up? Even coffee, dog. Like, come on, I can't drink like, three, four a day. Like, I don't really do. He's like, nope, these are the reasons why. And you think it's really giving you energy, but it's not, damn it. And then he breaks it down for you, and you're like, I can't do that anymore. Damn. So I'm just sorry. I am addicted. He's like, yeah. He's like. But he's like, it's not your fault. He's like. And then he explains why we all do it. He's like, it's just the normal thing to do.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

What do you do for. For. Because I don't. I don't drink any kind of. It's the first caffeine I guess I've had and since I've. Before when I was a teenager.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

I don't drink. I smoke so much weed and then go, why am I so damn tired? I smoke all damn day. I'm cutting it back, but I don't have any source of energy. I take a B12. Now I am the most sleepy, most productive person I know. I'm tired all the time, which is.

[Brian Ortega]

Why they cut me off everything. So you can't sleep, take all this out.

[Thomas Yolis]

I hadn't signed since I was a kid. Bad, bad. Like since I was a child. Like. Yeah, until 6 in the morning. Oh, we gotta get up at 7 and I'm at school falling asleep because now I can fall asleep for some reason.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like my whole. Until four years ago, I had insomnia real bad. What do you do for. For energy since you can't take anything?

[Brian Ortega]

Phase one with the, with, with me was reprogram my body. Get me off everything that it's caffeinated or get me off everything that. Just get me off all the bad habits like that. Just to see how I function on a normal caveman.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like.

[Brian Ortega]

Like what do you do with normal state? So no more coffee, no more. There's no more that. No more that. No more this. Like all that's gone. All right. Hey brother. I'm still sleeping till like two, three. But I gotta be up at, you know, seven from our run. Oh yeah, you're gonna wake up at six now. I'm like, I just said I woke up at seven for my run. Like I don't care what you do. Wake up at six, make it a habit to wake up at six. I fall asleep at four or five, don't matter. I gotta be up. I have to be up at 6. This is offseason, not in season. And that was one thing that, that I remember that we did. And I. I wish I could explain it the way he does, but it's when you force your body to do that. When after you hit a certain period of time. Your body is very adaptive and it, it's actually, it's based almost off of consistency. And it realizes your schedule like an eternal clock, right? Yeah. So if it knows you're going to wake up every day at 6, it's gonna tell you, hey, bro, hit the sheets by 10.

[Marty O'Neill]

So true.

[Thomas Yolis]

Go force it.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

And then he did.

[Brian Ortega]

And then when we hit the sheets at 10 and you're still sleeping, he's like, when'd you turn your phone off? You're like, we want the phone. Like, he's like, when you walk in bed, I want the phone to the side. So take your last scroll, whatever. 10:00pm Put that, put it away. I don't want to see it. I don't want to look up and see that you're online.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Active.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. Whatever it is. And then. Okay, that was one. Then after, like, what if I'm falling asleep? Yeah. Like 2, 2:30 still. Huh. It's like. And everything is based off honesty, right? It's like watching tv. Yeah. Take the TV out your room or turn it off. Like when you get in your bed.

[Thomas Yolis]

It should be for sleep.

[Brian Ortega]

It's your bed only. Sleep only. There should be. No, I'm hanging out here. That's what they made a sofa for. Go to the living room. Like makes sense. They go, your body has to hit this room and know it's lights out. So that was a whole thing that we. That we did. And then, then the other part was like I told you when NASA we did everything with me, they're like, well, you have like, you know, 180 whatever episodes or. Which is like flinches remove or times when you wake up, they go. Which is beyond what we thought you would. And based at your level, we don't understand how you function this way with this little sleep. The way you're always being intruded. They check the room, the atmosphere, the oxygen in the room, the lighting in the room. Like there's a lot of crazy things that go on to it that I didn't understand, man. So we fixed the lighting, we fixed the air quality, we fixed this, we fixed that. We did re. Ran some tests again. Still was not good. And then it kind of turned out to be be ptsd, right?

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, it's keeping you up?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, like alert or scared or whatever it was. So they go that now that's something that is no longer our department. Like, we're not going to tell you what to do with your life, but maybe a therapist will help you to have peace with some stuff. I was. All right, cool. Thanks. They go, but we took you as far as we can. Now it's up to you to. To find that peace within yourself so you can actually go to sleep.

[Marty O'Neill]

Wow.

[Thomas Yolis]

Did you find go. Did you work it out?

[Brian Ortega]

Still working it out.

[Thomas Yolis]

Okay. Can you still sleep?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, you can?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

It's got symbols cracking.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, well, I know, I know. The air quad, the human dude talking about the perfect sleeps. The perfect settings for sleep. Mike. Like phone tv. I gotta get rid. Because I mean, for. For someone like you. How? I mean mainly for me, when I'm sitting there, I'm so bored because I can't sleep that when I was a kid I would just stare for hours and be like, well, I'm staring in the darkness. How Long has it been.

[Brian Ortega]

Come work out with me one day. Let me know if you're still bored at the end of it. Yeah, yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Is that. Well, you. You're such in shape. That didn't even help you, right?

[Brian Ortega]

It's energy, bro. You have to. You have to, like, take your energy out. So. And what I'm telling you, though, yeah, I. I do train. I do everything. But when you're up at six, you're like, I told you after you train your body for a while, because the things I didn't believe. And after like a week or two, you're like, come on, dog. But, like, after 21 days, your body gets it, but you have to do it for 21 days at least.

[Thomas Yolis]

When you wake up, how far. How. What do you. What's your. What's your work? Look at me.

[Brian Ortega]

My life is different now, okay? I ain't camp like Brian in season. Brian off season. Two different people.

[Marty O'Neill]

All right?

[Thomas Yolis]

Off season, you're still. I mean, you're an athlete.

[Brian Ortega]

You can't just work out twice a day.

[Thomas Yolis]

There we go. So when you wake up, what's your. What's your go to when you know your body needs. Right? Because when I wake up, I'm like, oh, I have nine. I have four businesses. All right, let me check and make sure they're all good. Three hours later, I'm like, I didn't even get on my treadmill yet. And I'm like, well, I'm busy now filming. I do it tonight. And then it's like, oh, that's four days ago.

[Brian Ortega]

Well, that doesn't exist for me.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'm saying, for me, like, I need.

[Brian Ortega]

What do you do when you wake up? When I wake up, there's no work that I get one hour of just me.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like that.

[Brian Ortega]

You get one hour. You get one hour of just you. And then one hour of just you. Be like, upon waking up and before sleeping, you're like, if you have a chick, like, hey, we ain't arguing from 11 to 12. Like, that's my hour of. Like, that's my hour to me, like, peace. So we can chill, we can. We can pillow talk, whatever. But you got some. You got to say, like, yeah, save for tomorrow. Unless it's like, right now, like, where we have to address it right now, then it is what it is then. That's very few, you know, but for the most part, it's like, upon waking up, I got one hour to me wake up. Water, lemon, chill, salt, boom, Circadian rhythm, whatever, right? With some lemon, with Some salt.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Go outside, chill dogs, throw the ball. Like, just. I'm in my own world for an hour, come back hours up. Okay, let's drink the coffee. And when the energy kicks in, or so does our work ethic, what do I got to get handled. I got. I gotta do this, I gotta do that, I gotta do this, you know, and you try to make that your habit and. And that's kind of what it is. And then recently, because of whatever I just. I've been on it, like, recovering. That's why, like, I get to be the laziest, which is where I'm at right now, which is just like. That doesn't even, even. That doesn't exist. So there's like in season, off season and injured off season. That one's more like just feed your soul dog. Like, speed yourself. Like, just. That's it. Just don't get carried away because once you're healthy, like, we're moving.

[Marty O'Neill]

What do you want to see happen next with, like, your next fight? 20, 25. What's, like, best case scenario next best.

[Brian Ortega]

Thing is to fight some names that already got called to do and kind of just you know, let them know I'm still here. Right? Take out some. Basically, my whole life, my whole career, they've thrown nothing but. But dogs at me. Like, the bet, like people in their peak, people at their best. People when they're on their, like, it's true on their steaming.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

I never thought someone where they're like, oh, they're on the losing superstars in their prime, basically. Or if you're. You're on a hot. You're on a hot 1, 3, 4, 5 win streak. That's the type of people I've always fought, like Garrett, like into the UFC, Tiago Tavares, 15 fights in the UFC three, four fights in the featherweight division at the time. When I fought him, the loss that he had that brought him to. To that division was against Khabib. Before that, it was like, Diego brand out on the winning streak. I mean, Clay on the winning streak, Swanson on a winning streak, Moikano on a winning streak. He undefeated when we fought.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So it was just. It was all that. So now it's just like, hey, bro, just keep doing that.

[Marty O'Neill]

What would you like to see happen with John Drone's career, like, moving forward? You know, like, for me, just as like, an example. I've never. I started watching right around the McGregor Mendez fight, so I missed his whole, like, superstar era.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

I've only seen him fight, like, Once or twice. Where do you think he goes from here? Is it Aspinall? Is it.

[Brian Ortega]

I don't know. Yeah, I have no idea.

[Marty O'Neill]

Does he come to mind when you think of the goat, like, greatest and. I don't know.

[Brian Ortega]

Absolutely, yeah. When you think of goat, he's right there. That's one of the first names.

[Thomas Yolis]

It's a unanimous decision, I think, for everyone. Ever asked, ever says the same exact. Yes.

[Brian Ortega]

Even after. Even after this last fight, man, I hit him up. He's cool. I was eat right. Right after the fight, I was like, hey, dog. Like, I've been knowing I need to change up my. What's up? You got time for me? Like, can. Can you, like, share some. Some knowledge? He was like, yeah, for sure, bro. Let me know. Right on the spot, too. Like, yeah, I know, I know he's at the event because I'm still in the ambulance when I'm sending him this message. Because the first. My first thought is like, what did I do? I messed up. How can I get better? Like, hey, the L happened all good, but what's up, bro? Like, how do you pick yourself up from this? How do you make yourself better from here? Yeah, and the seeds don't start after, you know, you're in that phase of like, damn, you know, like, because, because, because sadness hits. Because, no, if you're competitive, you don't like to lose. Right. It's just normal. But while it's hot, it's like a, bro. Like, I already planted all the seeds, so now it's like, yo, I hit him up. Once I recover a little bit. It's like, I remember that talk we had. Yeah, it's already been in motion. And after that it's like, hey, bro, what's up? Like, can I, like, can I. Can I go down train with you? Yeah, can I go down this now? Can I come by? And all these people that I made those relationships with, I'm thankful that they. They are willing to help me because you ask a lot of us and we're very busy. We're very selfish. It's a selfish sport.

[Marty O'Neill]

Totally.

[Brian Ortega]

So the fact that these, these people are still active and they're very well known and they're going to take the time to help me. I'm very grateful for that.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. So.

[Brian Ortega]

Which is why.

[Marty O'Neill]

So I was gonna ask, like, it's got to be hard not to plateau in your skills when you've been training your whole life. Like, how do I keep getting better.

[Brian Ortega]

By hitting these guys up?

[Marty O'Neill]

Exactly. Like, this is how you do it.

[Brian Ortega]

Because you can learn everything around you. But then you're like, okay, I've learned everything around me and I'm still not a champ, so I gotta go else where to learn more. That's going to make me me the chat because there's some questions. Does he have conditioning? Does he have heart? Does he have cardio? Does he have this, does he have that? And if you look at it, I have everything checked off except for the stand up and, and a little bit more of like iq. Talk to the guys who have the stand up in the iq. Yeah, yeah, straight up. Be a man. Face yourself in the mirror. Be like, dog, you only lose here and here. Every time you, you, you fight and you've lost, it's here and here. There's never been anything else other than that. It's not a secret. So go address that and stop addressing the, the things that you keep that you know you're good at. Yeah, Jiu jitsu. I got cardio, I got this, I got wrestling. Like, I'm getting there, but it's like, I got it still right now. But it's like, hey, let's get these two down. Let's work on these three things. And the other two, we just, we keep, you know, training so we don't lose that.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, I think that's what creates. I mean, when you talk to them, that's probably what makes a champion. Like, yo, I know I'm not, I'm a man. I'm the man. But that guy's the bigger man. How do I beat his ass?

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. If you're, if you're like, my stand up's not as good with anything. Like, right with me, like, dude, I'm fat. I gotta stop being so fat all the time. Like, that's my, my thing. Like, I know it's here. I'm crushing it everywhere else. And I'm crushing my chairs too, bro. I'm fat as, like, I need to fix this. So when you're like, train with me one day, like, just don't break my spine and I will train for you. I'll do it one day I'm down. I just need to. That's my, my whole goal, my whole life was don't be so fat, dog. So with you it's like, obviously different. Like, my stand up needs to get better, but you're, it's, it's wild to hear a professional athlete talk about I need to get better. You don't hear that from anyone. The. Yeah, you never hear that. I mean, We've. We've interviewed a couple fighters. I haven't heard that yet, so it's really cool to hear, like, oh, no, no, I need to get better because it's lagging in this situation.

[Marty O'Neill]

I heard. I played my son. I have a 10 year old son. He's like, yeah, I saw. I saw your kids on Instagram. Yeah, they would be. My son's name's Cam. They would be boys with him.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, is he like him?

[Marty O'Neill]

That could tell. They look just like him. Like, they'd be playing sports. But I sent him the video where you're running. Where you're running the stairs.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

And who was that? I'm assuming it's one of your coaches who was talking at the audio in the video.

[Brian Ortega]

Mike. Yeah. Mike Safai.

[Marty O'Neill]

This is why you're different. You're pushing through it. You love being uncomfortable.

[Brian Ortega]

This is why we live in the red.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's why you're different.

[Brian Ortega]

Let's go, champion. Because what you're feeling right now is where people stop. What you're feeling right now is where people fall to the ground. We live in the red. We welcome it.

[Thomas Yolis]

We're safe.

[Brian Ortega]

We're home. We live in the red, champ.

[Thomas Yolis]

Very good.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, exactly.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

I sent that to my son like this. This is it right here. Look at. Look how far he is into his career. He's still marching up and down these stairs with somebody like getting into his head to fire him up. That was just like, very inspiring to me.

[Brian Ortega]

That, that's a. That's a great coach. That's why. And. And you need that, right? Because you can only take yourself so so far. Especially nowadays. Back in the day, maybe you can get away with it, but now with. With what we have, the technology and everything, no one gets anywhere without a team.

[Thomas Yolis]

Really?

[Brian Ortega]

Even you Right now. You have a team with you.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

You can't do this by yourself.

[Thomas Yolis]

Hell no.

[Brian Ortega]

Exactly.

[Thomas Yolis]

I could turn my phone on.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm the same way in my career. I can't do this by myself. I need a team. Well, my team has to know me, and my team has to know my buttons. What to say, what not to say, when to be quiet, when not to be quiet, and how to make me win so we all win. And if that's not the goal, then you're in the wrong team.

[Marty O'Neill]

Have you had Hunter and your. Your striking coach has been like the same coaches your whole career, basically, right? For the most part?

[Brian Ortega]

No. That one striking coach, we. We parted ways.

[Marty O'Neill]

Gotcha.

[Brian Ortega]

Because obviously, like, you know, I Was talking about the max.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Things like that, that, that last. That was our last fight where I was like, hey, you know what, bro? Like, we gotta go on separate ways.

[Thomas Yolis]

Unconditional win.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

Hunter's been there the whole time and.

[Brian Ortega]

Has been with me for 20 years.

[Marty O'Neill]

That's amazing.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. 20 years.

[Thomas Yolis]

Wow. Since you were. Since you were a little boy.

[Brian Ortega]

Thirteen stole his coach.

[Thomas Yolis]

Hold on. So he was at the, at the Gracie Academy. He was like, this kid's a superstar. I'm gonna train with him.

[Brian Ortega]

No, not at all. I wasn't a superstar.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, I'm saying like I was even half a star. I'm not even talking about that. I'm talking about like.

[Brian Ortega]

The stars.

[Thomas Yolis]

Wait, longest shot with Adam Sandler or the old one? One. Okay. Have you seen the old half a star.

[Brian Ortega]

I gotta stab somebody. I got. I was just watching my son. That's why. But so I forgot what I said.

[Marty O'Neill]

About Hunter being there.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. So. So it wasn't even like that with him. To him it was like, who's this quiet kid who keeps choking people out because he's talented, but he's just quiet. I don't know him. And after one year, I didn't finish. Well, I guess we didn't even get there. But when. So I. So my dad paid that one year salary?

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Right. After a year he was like, I. I'm done. I can't pay this. Your mom won't even let me. Cuz she's not supportive because we got. We got bills to pay, bro. You can't.

[Thomas Yolis]

It's too much of rent.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. We can't just be shooting 130 every. Every egg. Come on now. So I said, all right. Heartbroken. But like I get it. So my dad went with me. That's the. Yeah. My tener. Saw my dad when I first started training the day I quit. Try to quit.

[Thomas Yolis]

Right.

[Brian Ortega]

Because it wouldn't afford it. And then the next day was when I got the. The Henry see my dad three times at least in that. Those 10 years. 13 years. So it was the first day, the day I quit and the day I got my black belt. Yeah. My dad was not there. As in terms of how you would think like a dad. Like, like I show up to all my kids practices. Right. Not practices, but they get their games.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Let alone the practices. Then it's a lot of work. Plus, if you're a busy man, you got things you got to do. So I understand that. Like he was. But so. Yeah, after one year, I came in And Hannah's like, yo, bro. Like, this kid is too. He's. He's. He's too something to just say goodbye.

[Marty O'Neill]

Dedicated.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. So he was like, how about you help me out here? You become my little assistant or apprentice? And. And. And we take it from there and see how it goes. I said, all right. Then I was happy that I saw it. Like, I can still train. So when I showed up, I said, what do I do? This is the laundry room. These are towels. We fold them this way. These are geese, the uniforms. We fold them this way. You're going to learn how to fold all this. So when you're not on the mat upstairs helping with me, then you're down here working. I said, done. It's easy. Throw this, throw this. Wait. Whatever. Fold it, fold it. Throw it to dry. Fold it, fold it. Done. Hey. The men's locker room has all towels. The geese are all like. I had this. I learned the system when I had to do it. It was easy. After that, I was like, hey, man, treat this place like it's your own. Like your home. You walk by, you see trash. Don't just look at it. This is your place. I said, okay. I would walk by, see something, I pick it up. So that got instilled in me.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So then I would wash keys, do laundry, clean up. Sometimes I just. I just see the floor. And you're like, it's my house. Clean, dusty. Clean it. Just clean it from whatever. Clean. I'm still in there. I'm bored. Class not till, like, another half hour. I'm like, oh, the top is dusty. It's like, all right, yeah, I got something. You know, like, yeah, you're just bored. You find things to do to entertain yourself. Like, we didn't. I didn't have the phone, right? So I got my scrolling for entertainment. So you're bored. So you're looking like, what can I do right now to make myself useful to let this guy know that I want to be here, that I'm trying to earn my keep here with everything you do.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's the mindset you have to have.

[Brian Ortega]

And I was even scared when they hired a guy.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'm out.

[Brian Ortega]

It was like they hired a guy to. To. To, like, to the janitorial services. And I was like, there goes my. My value here.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Because all the instructors now are being told to do the laundry and all that. And then the janitorial guy was like, there. And I was like, there goes my job. Like, I'm gonna.

[Marty O'Neill]

Is that when you started teaching I.

[Brian Ortega]

Was always teaching with him, so. So part of that thing as he took me in, that's when actually him and I bonded because Hiron was running the show because he's like, the muscle there at that time, and then Hanner was the intellect, so them together was. Was. It's still a team. That's. That's, that's this. That's a great, unstoppable team. So then me being with Hanner created that bond where it was like, hey, bro, I don't know how to teach. Hey, bro, I don't even know English. Hey, bro, I don't even know how to speak. Hey, bro. Like, I don't know what to do with money you're paying me. I don't even know what this form is. What is a W? A 10? What? A W? I have no idea what this. Why is this, like, why do I sign this? Is this bad? Is this good? Like, what? So I'm. I'm confused. And he answered all my questions and. And that's. That's how it started. It's still like that. That's the crazy part. It's like, Hannah's never like, that's my dog, the UFC fighter.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

He's almost like my, like, in my dad in that aspect. Or like my family, where you walk in the room and I could care less what you do. Like, I, like, I, I with you because of you.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

I walk in the rooms like, what's up, bro? How's the kids? How's this? Like, there's never. No, there's not fight talk. You can tell the difference between some people. Yeah. They're like, okay, you're here because I'm a fighter. I get that. But it's like, him, he's like, I saw you grow up. I saw you cry. I saw you pro, like, poor. I saw you, like, I. I've seen everything of you. I've seen you in all the Brian faces. I've seen you and, and you've been around me all of a him, even till recent phases, where, like, I'm down and out and I'm still there, like, with him, and he's driving me to my surgeries. Like, who do you like, who do you trust to pick you up and be there for you? Like, him. Not that my family's bad, but, like, at that time, when I'm going through it as a man, you're like, I don't want them to see me, like, all down and out. I'd rather just be without me. So. So I call him you know, that's awesome. So he's. That's the type of relationship I have with him. Incredible. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Wow.

[Brian Ortega]

If anything, he's like, bro, like, when are you gonna quit fighting so we can actually, like, you know, do things together. Because, yo, he's like, let's go to Costa Rica, bro. Let's do this. I'm like, all right, let's go. And then he's like, you already know how you are. Like, what do you mean?

[Thomas Yolis]

Be there for two days, ready to go?

[Brian Ortega]

Not even that. I set up a trip and then it's like, yo, dog, cancel it because I gotta fight.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, like that good.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, they called me in for. For a fight. Eight weeks. That means it starts now. So our trip in three weeks cannot happen. He's like, I even had that with him. We planned a whole dope trip to Alaska. The first Diego Lopez fight, when I was supposed to fight him at Still Vegas. But the. The 303, I think, or 300. I don't even know which one it was. I had a whole. Like, I paid. Like, I'm not even gonna say how much. But it was, it was.

[Thomas Yolis]

It was a trip. It was a trip.

[Brian Ortega]

It was a trip, bro. Like, it was crazy. I never did one. I still didn't do it. But my kids, everything, you know, like, first class kids. Like, it's some adults, dope family.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Like some businessman type stuff, you know, where it's like, yo, we're like, it's. It's a different playing field here.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah. Like a family.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, there's like, there's like a family vacation. There's like, we're going there for a couple days, but we're doing all this.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

And. But this is the ticket that it costs. I'm like, dog. But I was like, like, let's go, dog. You know, like, when do I ever say yes to these? And I've saved up my entire life for moments like this. Like, I tried to tell myself, like, stop saying this. You're doing this for your kids and. And not doing it for your kids. So I was like, yeah, yeah, to the plate, dude. Spend. Spend all this money, but do it on them anyways. I planned it. I did it all last minute. I took the fight with Diego, canceled the trip, and then I gave it to. Not gave it to my. My father in law was there. I said, hey, man, I know it's a lot, but do you mind going with them? He's like, what? He's like, it's. It's all there. And he's a, he's a brown belt, so. And he trains with your father in law? Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

What are the odds of that?

[Brian Ortega]

He. I put him in. In Gracie.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, you did this. Okay, if you're gonna be my father in law, you're gonna have to fight.

[Brian Ortega]

No, no, no, no, no. He was a wrestler growing up.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, so he knows what he's doing.

[Brian Ortega]

So he's a wrestler. He was intrigued by, by grappling. Grappling, yeah. And then obviously in his prime, I could not. I would not be able to get him to do jiu jitsu because he's like, he's a stud, bro. He's like six foot something. Until right now I call me the Silver Fox. Because he's like, he's tall, but not like a handsome.

[Thomas Yolis]

The white guy dude.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, but he's like, cut to the T. Has a six pack right now. Like, he's your father in law.

[Thomas Yolis]

He's like 60 something.

[Brian Ortega]

He's like, oh, he's. He's a stud. He's a stud.

[Thomas Yolis]

What's your dad say? Was. He sees like, I can take his ass. I know I can take his. Did he do this when he, when he met him?

[Brian Ortega]

No, my, my dad. One thing about my dad, he's quiet, man. My, my dad's like very quiet. Just. He's very observant. Very quiet, Very to himself. If anything, you would think that he has like, hey, what's wrong with your dad?

[Thomas Yolis]

My dad's so quiet, you might think he's off.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, right. He's just very observant, very polite, but still just like. He just doesn't talk much.

[Thomas Yolis]

Much. I feel that, man.

[Brian Ortega]

And, but, but yeah, like. Anyways, the father in law, that's. He's. He's a silver fox. He looks good. And, and he went on that vacation with them and he had a time of his life. And then I had to look at it after, like, you know what? I think that was better because this.

[Thomas Yolis]

Experience they have a.

[Brian Ortega]

Because he lives in Texas now. So that, that's, that's a dope memory that these kids will always have. So I was like, all right. I was able to do that with what I do for a living. Let's go. That was cool, you know?

[Thomas Yolis]

Of course, dude. Because at the end of the day, like when I think of it, then.

[Brian Ortega]

I went to go run and cut waiting.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, well, it's fine, but like, it's.

[Brian Ortega]

Still not fine because I didn't make it weight. So I was like, no.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

That's one that's the first one I told you about.

[Thomas Yolis]

Wait, so wait, if you don't make your weight, they just go, you're done?

[Brian Ortega]

No. So check this out. I was 170. I. I took a short two week notice fight. And there's people who say they have, you know, short notice fights, but they've already been in a camp of somewhat. I was not. I was just like, yo, you might go to 55 soon, so just bulk up, hit some weights. And that was it. So I wasn't doing, like training like that two weeks on 178. Did I get to 145? I was like, can you make it at 155? They're like, 145. I was like, just talk to them and see if we could do 55, please.

[Thomas Yolis]

£33.

[Brian Ortega]

Just tell them, like, I. Tell them I got. Just tell them. Tell them that it's hard, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

Tell them it's hard. Can you make it easy?

[Brian Ortega]

It's like, 55 is doable?

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Sure enough. They're like, nope, 45 has to be it. I said, all right, let's do it. Like, let's go. That's. I began that. I. My body topped out at like 53, 52.

[Thomas Yolis]

Couldn't cut no more.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. From 78 all the way to. To that. My body topped out in a week and some change, almost two weeks. And I called him up, I said, hey, man, I'm like, I can't. Then Diego took the fight at 55. And I was like, you should have just did 54. So then I did 55. And I was like, all right, let's go. And I still don't know what. But then the day of the fight or the night of, like, I'm hot, I'm sweating, I'm running a fever. And I was like, no, mama. Shake it the next day. You know when you're sick, where you just. The energy, you don't even do nothing.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

I drank a nitro, cold brew, shot my ass with a B12 shot to, like, get me up just to fight.

[Thomas Yolis]

Same nothing.

[Brian Ortega]

I was like, that's when I called him. I was like, hey, man, I can't. That's when you saw, like, Daniga step up and all that was because I was battling. Like, should I still go out there? May. Like, I know I feel this way, but once you walk out, bro, like, adrenaline kicks in. I was like, I have no choice. The way. The way I would try to put myself was like, if a man walked in my hotel room right now, and try to, like, take mines. I'm not gonna be like, hey, bro. Yeah, time out. Like, can you fight Danny? You can't do that. So I was trying to get myself there, but, you know, I'm happy that, you know, my wife was like, hey, you don't have to do this. If anything, you stepped in to do a favor already two weeks notice, and then this happens. Like, you're. Don't. Don't push your luck.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, there's a reason for it.

[Brian Ortega]

She's like, you might just get injured. Like, hurt hurt. Like there were something could happen. And then now you're. You're like, you didn't just lose a fight, you got injured.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

And now you're out for how long? And she's like. And I know how you get when, like, you go through your injuries. You're like, you're a. You're a pain in the ass. She's like, let's just not get there. So, you know, the fight didn't happen. But, yeah, that was because of that. I had. I. That was my experience. And then they're over there sending me dope videos and bears and pictures, and, like, we're. We're in the ice lake and we're drinking from. From it and fresh salmon, and it was. It was crazy.

[Marty O'Neill]

What's it feel like when you hit the octor? Like, when you hit the arena from the tunnel and the crowd notices you? That's like, such a feeling that 0.01% of people ever get to feel. If that hit of them seeing you and going nuts, is that, like, their greatest feeling in life?

[Brian Ortega]

It used to be.

[Marty O'Neill]

It used to be kind of used to it now.

[Brian Ortega]

I. I've. I've become a veteran now.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

What's replaced that feeling?

[Brian Ortega]

Get to work now. It's still enjoyable, don't get me wrong.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. Yeah, for sure.

[Brian Ortega]

Don't. For one second, I'm not knocking that feeling down.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

But it's like running in your language. Smoke weed for the first time, right. Like, second time, three times you do it. After a while, you're like, I'm just smoking weed.

[Marty O'Neill]

Still love it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. Like, you still do what you do, but you're like, it's not new, for sure. The couple first times, I was like, yo, like, there's 16, 18, 20, 000 people here. I'm walking out, like, oh, my God. It was like. And then I was like, no, man.

[Thomas Yolis]

Get better at it. Get better.

[Brian Ortega]

Then I get nervous, and I was like, no, embrace it. Like, so there was A whole journey to that where after a while he was just like, dog, embrace it. It's better.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's another layer to fight.

[Brian Ortega]

Just have fun. Just shake everyone's hand, smack everyone's hand. Like, just like get good music where you come out and just like, have fun, dog. Like, that's what it was. Have fun.

[Marty O'Neill]

Are your nerves horrible leading up to that or not so much?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, absolutely. I could, I can say that they, they, they are very active. Yeah, very. You went through a roller coaster. Yeah, yeah, it's, it's, it's, it's. It's a different type of roller coaster chapter where you're just, you're in your head a lot, bro. Imagine right now, like I tell you, tomorrow you got to fight in front of 20, 000 people.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, for sure.

[Brian Ortega]

Against a guy who's like been training to kill you for the last three months. And you know that this is the highest level. So there's no. I hope he was working in or I hope he.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, I hope he's sick.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, I hope he's sick. You're just like, dog, this would spend three months in, day in, day out, training, like visualizing to kill you. That's who I'm up against tomorrow.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

That's all I gotta say. And then you, you fill in the rest. And if you can't place yourself there.

[Thomas Yolis]

Then you shouldn't be there.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm saying yeah, but it's. Yeah, it's not for everyone.

[Thomas Yolis]

So one question to kind of what Marty asked, what was your first time? Because you said the first time like dog walking out to thousands of people. So you're training, you're doing your kickboxing as a kid. Then you do this, and then now you're folding towels and you're doing this. When do you start making that? After the, the illegal fights. When does it make its way into. Oh, this is a, this is what I do. Because I know you're training, you're constant. You drop out of school.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Who needs to go to school? You're not gonna. Quadratic formula. I have no. Not used it today. I haven't used it ever. So I get like, I don't need that. I'm gonna be fighter. That's what most professional athletes say. Like, I know you need school to. In college, but like, I didn't need that. I need. This is what I need to do. When did it become like, oh, I fight, I knock fools out or I, I choke full. Now it's like, oh, I'm gonna go into A stadium and actually fight as a professional. This is on my actual fight record. When did that start?

[Brian Ortega]

19 19.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, damn. Young dude.

[Brian Ortega]

A. 18. 18, 19.

[Thomas Yolis]

Okay. And where was that? Was it out here?

[Brian Ortega]

Oh, yeah, it was in Sebaba casino.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, in a casinos. Did you, did your dad come to your fights at all? Not or now?

[Brian Ortega]

Not the fur or the first. The first one. Yeah. This one. One of the suboba ones he missed. But I remember talking to him about it and I was actually pissed because it's like, dog, this is the one time I did just. You're like, you need to be here. I just need you to be a yes man right now. And he didn't give it to me. I was, it was my first fight. Yeah, that's what I remember now because I like, they cut like half of my lip off. I didn't know you can elbow. Oh. So I had a straight elbow right to the mouth. And I had a shitty ass mouthpiece. So like my half my lip went missing. I had like a big old bump inside for like a year. It was a trip. Yeah. But yeah, I was like, so 18 on my 18th birthday. I got locked up. And then when they bailed me out and I beat my case because I was, I was, I was gonna do five years.

[Thomas Yolis]

Damn. On your 18th birthday? Were they waiting for your ass to turn 18?

[Brian Ortega]

No, I, I, I was like 11.

[Thomas Yolis]

The cops are outside waiting.

[Brian Ortega]

I had, I had a good, I had a night. I had an eventful.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, it was the morning after you got in trouble.

[Brian Ortega]

It was my birthday. And then I had an eventful day, an even more eventful night. And yeah, I ended up in the middle of my street getting gaffled up with like the chopper on me and everything. It was, it was, it was embarrassing.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh.

[Brian Ortega]

And so, yeah, so I, I beat that. I'm free. Chilling. Everyone that was getting locked up. Like, the homies that were with even with me in that ride, like one guy did, I think one of them was free, but the other ones were locked up for like eight, ten years.

[Thomas Yolis]

Damn.

[Brian Ortega]

So they're all gone. And I'm like, dog, like every, every. All the homies are gone now. I was like, I'm actually kind of lucky that I'm not in right now. And then I met that guy that, that we no longer are together. But. And that's why I get credit him, I give him his name, man. Like, I don't, I don't mean nothing with disrespect, but this guy named Jane. So me and James Link up. And he's like, hey, man, I keep hearing about you, that you're good and you got talent, but, like, you're a punk. Like, I hear about you. They're like people telling me, like, stay away from you. I was like, hey, man. Actually, like, I'm like, I'm trying to get a job. Like, I'm trying, like, I'm trying to, like, I'm trying to be like, actual. I'm just not trying to be like the homies. I was in there. I saw what it's about. Whatever got you, like, that ain't me. There's some people in there. They're grimy, and they're grimy by nature.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

And then there's some people in there that, like, we're just in here because we're in here.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. Like circumstance. But. But it'll. It'll. It'll turn you into that way. Because the way you got to be in there, so you have no. You have no choice. Yeah, I don't. I didn't want. I just didn't want to get there. I'd rather not. I'd rather not play with that. So beating that was like, okay. In my mind when I was gaffled up, I was like, I'm. I'm, you know, 23 is when I'm gonna get out. I was like, all right. So I had to come to. To peace with that realization real quick. And being in there, I was like, all right, I'm touched outside these cells at 23, so don't. Don't even, like, don't put any hope in your head. So when I was free, I was like, dog. And then I beat the case. I was like, how many. How many of you really mean it? Right when. Because you see it all the time, you say, hey, man, please let me out if I'm out, and I'll be good. And then the second you get out, you go right back to doing what you're doing. I actually meant it, you know, I was like, man, if I'm out, I'm gonna change my life. So when I was out, I was. I'm just. My life. I was like, I have to. I need to. I don't want to go. Plus, plus, I had, like a three year joint suspension. I took a. Like a deal. So if I got caught with anything dumb, automatic three years plus whatever they. They. Whatever. Whatever your. Your time was going to be. So I just, like, let me just walk a straight path. This guy was like, bro, you should go pro. I got James. I was like, I agree. Like, let me do my last amateur fight just to get it out the way, and then let's go pro. And my last amateur fight, that's when it started becoming legal. So they made me wear headgear and shin pads. And I was like, what the. Like, what is this?

[Thomas Yolis]

This is some soccer guards.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, this is some. Some. Some. Like, this sucks. I'm used to, like, my first fight was no gloves.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

I felt like a veteran already. I was like, nah. And then we went to gloves, and then we went to 6 ounces, and now you're like, we have headgear, 6 ounces. Ancient pits. I was like, come on, dog. They're like, well, go pro. And I was like, yeah, you're right. So after that fight, I went pro, and. And it was. That guy James was like, bro, you should do it. But just, if you're going to be around me, I don't want people looking for you. And I'm driving with you, and they pop off on the car. He's like, and they get me because I got my family. I said, I respect that. I said, you know what? You got my word. If you hear something from me, cut ties with me. Me. I said, and I'm giving my word on what I really do and what I don't do. Like a deal. He's like, deal. All right, cool. And that's how that. That started. And he's like, bro, like, he didn't really know stand up. So we just watched YouTube and, like, we trained out of his garage, and he lived right up the street, so I would ride my skateboard there, I run there, take my bike over there. So it was. It was. It was cool. And that's. That's how I. I decided to go pro. And then once he put that idea in there, not that it wasn't an idea before, but, yeah, there was no real.

[Thomas Yolis]

It's a realistic now.

[Brian Ortega]

There was not someone saying, like, GoPro right now. There was like, oh, one day. That's the goal. Whatever. But it's just tough.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Until someone says, like, hey, bro, here's the card. I know the guy who can put you in the place, like, let's do it. That's when you're like, okay, this is real now.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

And so that's. That's what he did for me.

[Marty O'Neill]

And so he, like, pitched you to the UFC?

[Brian Ortega]

No, you can't pitch someone to UFC.

[Thomas Yolis]

So. So you're 18. You go pro.

[Brian Ortega]

19.

[Thomas Yolis]

19.

[Brian Ortega]

Tell my dad, hey, man, I'm thinking about going pro. He's like, hey, man, like, so far you've been fighting, but, like, we get it. You want to fight. But, like, these are the. Like, these are real. These are the big boys, bro. Like, pro is different. So I was like, what do you mean, man? Like, I've been fighting the dose my whole life. What? Like, what are you talking about? He's like. He's like, it's called. It's pro for a reason. So, like, well, you don't believe, you know, so then I turned kind of like, well, you don't believe in me. Whatever. Took the fight anyways. Fought one in the first round. I was like, okay, I see why it's pro. I see these guys are strong. They're. They're. They have the same number of fights, but the way you did amateur, they have them pro, and it is a different caliber when you. When you go up against people, they know what you're doing. Some of these pro fighters or. Sorry. There's some of the amateur fighters that I fought, they literally were off the.

[Thomas Yolis]

Crowd, hearing what the crowd's saying.

[Brian Ortega]

No, pulled out of the crowd.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, they said they were going off the crowd, like, kick. Sorry, I thought you meant, like, oh, my fault.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. Some of the guys I fought, they were from the crowd. In the amateur scene, when you find. Oh, like. Like Spider man, like, these underground. Yeah, these underground fights, literally the same thing, bro. They're like, hey, man, we got this.

[Thomas Yolis]

Kid who's 130 in here.

[Brian Ortega]

He's like, One hundred and thirty? Yeah, like, little. 120. He's, you know, 17 years old, and we couldn't find someone his age or his size. So if you're down, like. Like, then let's go. Someone like, hey, I'm down. I'm like, like, all right, cool. We'll get a. Go get him some shorts, some gloves. Let's go, homie. And like, all right. And you see the same guy that was just drinking a beer watch. Wearing some shorts that are, like, folded.

[Thomas Yolis]

Cortez is on.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. Like. And now he's fighting you. You're like, dog, yeah, I'ma fuck you up. You know, like, you don't even sign a chance. You don't even know what fighting is. I saw you over there, like, body is nuts. Like, you're saying some dumb. So I was like, for sure. I'm gonna get you some mouthpiece. Don't even fit. Like, it's just.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, one of those. Yeah. Backyard fights.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. So it was. It was like that. Now you see them on YouTube?

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. Called Street Beefs.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Street Beefs and Bakersfield Boxing Was that guy. Which one?

[Brian Ortega]

Damn.

[Thomas Yolis]

I watch them all. So I'll know who you're talking.

[Brian Ortega]

The skinny black guy, the one that.

[Thomas Yolis]

Kind of is like animate out a little bit, this blacklist.

[Brian Ortega]

He says something, he says something ridiculous.

[Thomas Yolis]

Every time he wins, right?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, my kid, my kids put me on game.

[Thomas Yolis]

I watch that heavy. So I get it.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. Forget now. It's stuck in my head. I don't know what he said.

[Thomas Yolis]

I know which guy you're talking about. I don't know what he's saying, but he does like.

[Brian Ortega]

Funny, right?

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

He's the thing at the end, it has like a little.

[Thomas Yolis]

There's a guy that fights in a suit. You seen that guy? He fights in like a 19. I sell you newspapers in the 30s.

[Brian Ortega]

No. Street bees or whatever.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, Street Beefs, yeah. So back, back to that. So you're fighting amateurs, drunk uncles sometimes. And then now you're like, oh, now I see why it's pro. It's not. Somebody's wearing high socks.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. Cuz these guys are now guys like me now it's like you have a job, but you're still serious about this. Or you're still, you know, you're like one foot in, one foot out. But then when you see the fights, you're like, okay. But you're you 15 fights in, so you've been in here for a bit. It all right. And then you keep fighting there. So I fought there twice. Then I went to another organization. I won the belt there. And then. And then I had a surgery. And then I met my. With my wife now, but at 20 years old and was gonna have a baby. Like this is like a whole thing. And then went back to fighting because it was like, okay, I'm having a kid now and I need to put food on the table. So. And this is the only way I know how. Well, not the only way, but it's the rightful way to. To do it. Yeah. Then after that it was like, it took off. I went 607-080. I won another belt. I was like, oh, UFC called you 23 fight this guy cool. Fight this guy wars. And they're like, dude, we like you. Bone is here. This and that. I was like, cool. And then he was like, all right, I'm in. And then. And that's the way it took off. That's what it was.

[Thomas Yolis]

So you just got noticed by this fool's been smacking fools up. We should get into the ufc.

[Brian Ortega]

I won belts in local regions, and you could tell, like, some local regions were like, the talent's good here, and that means you're good enough here, but jump over there to this side, because this side now has people that are trying to go to the UFC or people that just fell out of the ufc.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh.

[Brian Ortega]

So they call them, like, the feeder leagues to ufc.

[Thomas Yolis]

So it's like minor leagues to baseball.

[Brian Ortega]

Yes.

[Thomas Yolis]

Okay. I mean, there's minor league baseball players that are become superstars, so that's why they're, like, just easy pickings. Like, that's one. That's one.

[Brian Ortega]

So, yeah, if I fought there, won the RFA belt, and. And that was it. I got a call, but I got. You're fighting in Brazil. I was like, all right, let's go. Never fought in Brazil after, like, because. Because Connor took him for me. But we took your.

[Thomas Yolis]

You're saying the fights you would have got.

[Brian Ortega]

I was gonna fight Diego Brand down. When Connor beat him, that was who I was going to Brazil for. And then Brandau got injured or sick or whatever, and they pulled me out of that fight, and I was like, so I'm not going to Brazil. Like, I literally spent anything I had on, like, expediting these and these passports and visas and everything.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

And to me, like, that's all my life savings.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah. Yeah. Because when you get that call, it's not like you're, like, an employee.

[Brian Ortega]

It was like, seven bills, bro. Like, 700 bucks to pay for it to get expedited passport. And I was like, I had to get it all. Because they're like, hey, hurry up and fight now.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So then when it didn't happen, I was in debt, obviously. Like, I was happy that I had Hannah. Because he's like, you need money, dog. You know what to do. Go teach and work. Yeah, I got you right here. I was like, but you gotta earn it.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

I ain't giving you nothing. I'm like, all right, bet. So I got to work and made my money there, but then me taking the fight, they're like, all right, but that means you're in. So then they set me up, and I was like, all right, then I'm good to go.

[Thomas Yolis]

Cool.

[Brian Ortega]

But, yeah, that's how. That's how it all became. It came.

[Thomas Yolis]

Came about, and you guys heard. What do they call it again? General contract. Is that what they called. How do you do it again? Like, you're not.

[Brian Ortega]

Independent contract.

[Thomas Yolis]

Independent contract. Because you're. You break your arm, you pay for it. Like, Outside in training, like, USC doesn't do anything for you. You break your arm in the. In the cage, it's different. But I'm saying the fact that you have to pay for your own camp. Oh, all my vitamins and this and the training camp and my. The treadmill I have. And recover, that's all I'll do.

[Brian Ortega]

That's all out of pocket.

[Thomas Yolis]

Wow. We found that out recently. I had no idea. And is it true? I don't know if it's true now. Are you not allowed to stay after your fight? You can't watch nothing?

[Brian Ortega]

No.

[Thomas Yolis]

Wow.

[Brian Ortega]

I remember I got in trouble my.

[Thomas Yolis]

Debut because you tried to stick around.

[Brian Ortega]

Because I was one of the early fights. I was one of the first, second fights. So I was like, bro, my first UFC event. Yeah, the one I get to be in. It's like dope. So I fought the guy and I try to, like, sneak out. And me, like, they told me, you cannot go into the crowd. But me, like, with that mindset that I had still, I still have it. It was like, yeah, watch me. Like, I'm gonna go. Go chill. My dad. My dad's here. Like, that's dope.

[Thomas Yolis]

He showed up.

[Brian Ortega]

So I tried to get out and I'm like, then no one knows me anyways. Like, they're not. They're not gonna know. But security was like, hey, bro, get your ass back.

[Thomas Yolis]

So you can wash in the back.

[Brian Ortega]

But I'm just gonna say hi, go back.

[Thomas Yolis]

Is this a safety?

[Brian Ortega]

Do you want to make it an issue? Yes or no? Like, not at all. Like, I just got here. Don't want to make any issues. I'm sorry. And I was like, hey, Pops. Like, I can't. I'll see you after.

[Thomas Yolis]

Are you allowed to watch in the back? Is there screen? Can you watch nothing?

[Brian Ortega]

They used to have a thing called the green room. Yeah, they don't have them anymore.

[Marty O'Neill]

But I don't get it. I don't understand. They don't want the feels communal when.

[Thomas Yolis]

Your other fighters are back there. I feel.

[Brian Ortega]

I don't know the full gist of it. I know there's a always two sides of every story. So I am curious because I haven't asked, nor am I someone who's gonna be like, yeah, why? Yeah, why question it? To me, if anything, the last fights have been co. Main events or main events. So there's nothing after my fight anyways. Yeah, like, by the time I'm done checking with a doctor and like, putting in my clothes and showering like fight shows, Over. So that's the cool part. Why? Maybe. Why? I don't question it. But yeah, if you. If you fight right now, if I was to fight on the prelims or. Or whatever, I fight and that's it. Before, they had a place called the Green Room. Yeah. Where it was like, it was dope because they had food. Like, we'd all chilled there with the screens and everything. And we would. All the fighters, even your opponent would be on that side. I'd be on this side. I'm assuming. Maybe they had beef. I don't know. I have no idea now that I just said it. But there has to be a reason. Why? Because. Because they're cool with us. You know, the fact that we can't go to. To inside the arena. I still don't know. Maybe it's because if you are well known, like, you stir up the crowd. I don't know.

[Thomas Yolis]

I could see that though. Like, yo, good fight. Let me take a picture every five seconds. I get that.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. I have no idea. But yeah, that is a thing.

[Thomas Yolis]

There's got to be a row on the side of each fight. But, yo, when you're done, you can sit here and watch it.

[Marty O'Neill]

It'd be sick to see him after.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah, but look at that fool's eye coming out. She's still watching the fight. Let's go.

[Brian Ortega]

I'll be honest with you, bro. I really don't want to be out there after.

[Thomas Yolis]

Of course, I mean, I get it. Like, I'm hurt, but there's.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, there's more reasons why. I don't even question. It's like, I don't care.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, I know. We're such fans. Like, no, come on.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, I just don't care. I'm like, hey, bro, I want, like, I want to eat. Yeah, Yeah, I want to eat, man. I haven't ate. I haven't ate at least the food that I want to eat or even the portions of the food that I want to eat in a while. Three months I've been dieting to get to 145.

[Marty O'Neill]

You've been posting on YouTube, right? You got a new channel that you've been posting your weight cuts on and stuff?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, yeah, so. So I did a. Like, behind the scenes now where it's like, let me.

[Thomas Yolis]

How do you get to this point? Here's the how.

[Brian Ortega]

I want people to know me now. Right before, it was like, just do your job post and just shut up. But then I had to come to the terms, like, no one knows who I am. No one really knows how I think or what. Like, so, like, yo, post these YouTubes, show. Show a bit of how it is and. And let them get to know you.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Because it's always been a mystery.

[Marty O'Neill]

I think that's how you can, like, keep options going after you're done fighting too. 100 connection with the fans.

[Thomas Yolis]

Look at Shaq.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, Exactly.

[Thomas Yolis]

Retired for 20 years. Everybody loves Shaq. Most people don't know he's basketball player, these young ass kids, but he's the guy from all the commercials and everything. I mean, if you have a personality, people know you more. It's hard to go away. People want to see you.

[Brian Ortega]

And that's what they were. A lot of people have told me, like, hey, bro, like, you know what it was? I. I had a bad relation ship with it because I came fast. I came from nowhere. I came like. I came up fast. So then when I lost the max and watching everyone turn their back on me was like, nah, all you guys. Yeah, it was like, I get this game.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like, it's a game popularity contest for some fans.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

It's surprised.

[Brian Ortega]

It's like, you're down. You're like, you're down for me. And then I lose. And then it's like you switch up quick and not even do you switch up. I don't even care if you switch up. But then you get disrespectful, like, hey, hold up, bro. Come on. Like, you just said you love me three hours ago, and now, like. Like, this guy's.

[Thomas Yolis]

This guy's washed anything.

[Brian Ortega]

It's just a trip, right? I don't understand them, nor do I want to, but it did be like, it did get it, get it got me. When I was younger.

[Thomas Yolis]

It's a realization.

[Brian Ortega]

It was like, dog. All right. That's how you guys are. Like, all right, cool. But then I lost out on the ones that did love me, and I didn't realize that because y'all was so caught up in my. My feelings that it was like, like, all right, well, I'm just gonna punish all you guys for what these guys did.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

And that ain't the right way to go about it.

[Thomas Yolis]

You let them change how you were. Yeah, you are.

[Brian Ortega]

And then so. So the last bit has been like, hey, man, like, start coming out more, bro. Like, find an actual team, a crew that you like being around you on camera, which I finally found. The guys, which are Stephen and Junior guys are dope, man. They're like. They're. They're like, me like, wherever we go, we do the same thing. We always joke around, always play around, but we keep it respectful, and we know. We know when to play.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So it's cool. I found the team.

[Marty O'Neill]

As a fan, it seems like you're one of the most liked UFC fighters. I mean, when I was. I got some posters printed off. I was in line of FedEx T City. T City. People just seeing the posters and.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

Just. It seems like it's such a natural path for you to just put yourself out there more.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. And people are dope, man. That's what I told you. I had to step out of that and be like, hey, man, come get to know me. Me. You know, like, this is who I am. And you know that that's it. You might end up not liking me, or you might end up liking me, so be it.

[Marty O'Neill]

Otherwise.

[Brian Ortega]

So either way, people relate to you, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

Because, you know, there's not a lot of, like, I don't say a word if I'm not around people. I don't know. I'm the. I don't. I. Something's wrong with that fool. Like, you talking about your dad's over that guy. I'll be at a party and I say a word, but if around my friends, I won't shut up. So it's when people see, like, yo, kind of quiet reserve, and you're knocking fools out, and then you're with your homies. Like, ah, I can relate to this guy. You're more like, just meeting you today, it's like a Ralph Barboza mentality. Like, he's real quiet, but when you're doing your. You're you crush.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like right now, when you walked in, I don't know if anybody. If we even got that on camera. Just keep it respectful. It's like, oh, damn. All right. Sick. But you see what I'm saying? Like, yeah, I like that. If I. If I saw the interview, start by.

[Brian Ortega]

Because. Because, like I said, I don't go do podcasts. I don't. I don't really go out much unless it was, like, something I was doing, like, on the spiritual side to, like. To be like, hey, man, this is. This is what I'm about now. You know, that's what I did, like, the, like, podcast with, like, my pastor and stuff like that.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, really?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. But. But other than that, like, you won't see me on podcast, right? I did a little bit when someone introduced me to someone, but that was. That was it. But then, like I told you recently, it's like, hey, bro. Like, just, hey, this is who I am, man. Like, get to know me. Yeah, that was it. So this is like my. One of my first times actually coming out.

[Thomas Yolis]

Thanks for being here, man.

[Brian Ortega]

So that's why right off the. But that's why right off the bat I'm like, it's not the first podcast I've done, but it's the first time of me saying, you know what? I'm coming out and I'm starting to speak more. Like, get to know me. Like, I'm okay. There's no mystery to me now as ask away. But it's like what I told you guys in the beginning because. Because I'm new to this too. I'm like, hey, dog, just keep it respectful and we're good. Yeah, that's of course, like, that's it. Because. Because I'd be. I'll see some.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Some podcast, bro. And I'll see you see the game. Like, nah, throw their headphones off.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm like, bro, check this out, man. Like, I don't mind fighting you, but if that's what you're coming in, like, that's like this, then let's get it. But, but, but, you know, it's like, I'd rather not be in that environment because even then that's, that's. I get it. People like to see the, like, the drama, right? The drama. People like the drama.

[Thomas Yolis]

Poor people like the drama.

[Brian Ortega]

I pour. It's in our instinct, I think, dog. Because every time. Oh, when the traffic. When's the traffic?

[Thomas Yolis]

All right.

[Brian Ortega]

When you see some guy just being pulled over, you just, you just want to be nosy, dog. Like, look, everyone wants to be nosy. And you're like, why are you nosy? Like, like, come on, man, you're stupid. Just stop licking. And you get there, you're like, what's happening?

[Thomas Yolis]

I feel that.

[Brian Ortega]

And you're like, damn, I just contributed to the one thing I was pissed off.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, but why is the traffic. I made it a point to not stare at car accidents on the side of the road by. Nope. Because then I'm gonna stop and slow down the full behind and I'm gonna yell at that guy.

[Brian Ortega]

I give myself a two second look with no break.

[Thomas Yolis]

Never break.

[Brian Ortega]

If I break, I messed up.

[Thomas Yolis]

If you break, you're that guy.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yep.

[Brian Ortega]

You're. You're part of the reason. Be the change you want to see in the world. Let me drive. Right?

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, exactly. I like you. I like, if you have to break because of me, I'm a dick. I'm. I'm not obeying the laws. So for.

[Brian Ortega]

For all you who are trapping. Being nosy, man, Just, you know, keep it moving. You know, just don't hit the brake and keep it moving. Even if it drops down like, 15, 20 miles. As long as it's moving, we're good.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. And if. Unless you own a body shop, why are you. Why are you looking at the crashed car? Unless you're like, yo, that's work.

[Brian Ortega]

Some. Some things are. Are crazy that you even. I'm like, okay, I see truck on fire. Like, it's backwards and whatever. And you see, like. And you're like, oh, damn. I like, let me pray for them real quick because that. I hope they're all right. But other than that, it's like, you know what?

[Thomas Yolis]

I think it's a pullover or like a truck let you help somebody. Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

I was in trouble the other day. Like that. I got a ticket.

[Thomas Yolis]

For what?

[Brian Ortega]

Because. Because. Not bad. I was on my phone, but still give tickets. I did. That's what I thought. If you go to my car right now, my seatbelt's behind me because it snitches on you. It's like, ding, ding, ding. So I. I don't like wearing seatbelts. So if something ever happens to me, you already know. I already know. It's just.

[Thomas Yolis]

Hold on tight as you can.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, it's. I. Right through the window, all out. I know that. Right.

[Thomas Yolis]

You know they have the fake clips now, right? Little piece of metal from Amazon. You put it in your seat belt and it acts like it's. So you don't have to do it no more for like $4.

[Brian Ortega]

But you know what? I click it behind me, and then when I see a cop, I just. I just. I just go here, click, right? And then it's easy. But anyways, I'm driving and. Same thing. I see a guy, tow truck, whatever. I'd pay no attention to it. But the cop, I'm on my phone and he's like. Like, he literally tells me, like, put your phone down. I go, yeah, yeah, yeah. Like, you're busy, dog. Like, get out of here. So I'm driving and I'm like, I'm not gonna lie, dog. I told him I was busy, but I was. I was on Instagram. I was like, on Instagram, scrolling. And I was like, Ah, 41. I was like, all right, don't crash.

[Thomas Yolis]

All right?

[Brian Ortega]

And next, you know, I look. Oh. And you know when someone's staring, like, staring at You. I look over, and it's him.

[Thomas Yolis]

He got.

[Brian Ortega]

He left whatever he was doing over there to come get me because I waved his ass off.

[Thomas Yolis]

He was pissed.

[Brian Ortega]

And then I was like, you got me. Like, you got.

[Thomas Yolis]

Can't say nothing.

[Brian Ortega]

I can't. And then he pulled me over. He got behind me. I said, it's over, man. I said, think of an excuse not tell the truth, bro. Like, he got you. And he. Like, he's like, you know what? Plus, I know exactly why he pulled me over, bro. It's like, Doug. He's like. Or he's like, hey, man, like, I. I literally told you to put it away, and you still, like, when I catch up to you, I was like, catch up? Or you chase me? But, you know, like, well, you're still. Right?

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

And then I was like, honestly, bro, I was like, you're gonna come and get me?

[Thomas Yolis]

I didn't think it was important enough.

[Brian Ortega]

He's like, oh, so. So what's going on? Why your phone? I was like, I. Man, I'm busy. So, like, I just. You know, that's why I did lie. I was like, I wasn't like, some guy just scrolling through ig. Like, I'm actually busy. Which really, I was basically, I just snitched myself out. Rejected, right?

[Thomas Yolis]

I was like, you think I'm scrolling Instagram?

[Brian Ortega]

I'm actually doing things, officer. And then I have no seat bell.

[Thomas Yolis]

He's just like, even worse.

[Brian Ortega]

I was like, dar. And then he's like, insurance this. And me, like, I don't know where nothing's at in the car. And I have a knife in there. And I'm like, hey, man. Like. And he's like, I was not chill, bro. Like, look, it has a string attached to it. Like, here. Like, I always carry a blade on me. So they. Man, like, here, whatever. Like, there you go. And he's like, all right, cool. I gave him the wrong registration, the wrong car. I gave him like, I have a Jeep, too. So I give him the Jeep one, and I. I drove the truck, but he still took it. And he came back, and he's like, hey, man, so why'd you give me the wrong one? I was like, I opened up the thing in front of you, bro. Like, I don't know what I gave you. I just know there's a paper that said car. So I gave it to you. You know, registrar, whatever, right? Just, like, it seems like the right paper. It was the right paper to give.

[Thomas Yolis]

Me from the rock.

[Marty O'Neill]

They don't teach you how to get pulled over. Like, nobody ever sits down.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's very true. No one teaches you the procedure.

[Brian Ortega]

I've been pulled over enough and I taught cops enough to know what's up. I just don't know where it's at. Like, my car is, like, when you bought it. It has the manuals, the learning thing. I don't have nothing in there. Maybe, like, a photo or two. That's it. Like a family photo. Like, that's it. And then the inside. I don't even know what I've done with it anymore. It became. It became like, the whatever drawer. There's sunflower season there. There's. I have no idea. The ticket's probably in there.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, the ticket is in there. So it's just my whatever drawer, and I didn't want to go through the whatever drawer, and, like, half of it is trash.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

This was probably like, what is this guy doing?

[Marty O'Neill]

It's so embarrassing.

[Brian Ortega]

I can't find it.

[Thomas Yolis]

It's embarrassing. It is.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. So get your stuff together, man. So I still don't got it, but.

[Thomas Yolis]

What do you say? You got your seatbelt off?

[Brian Ortega]

I just give me the ticket. He goes, if you disagree, whatever, you know, I'm not gonna do that. I was just like, hey, sign away. Cool. Give me a. He said something, too, about my license plate. Because. Because when I bought the car, it comes with the license plates, But I already switched it. I never switched it, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

I didn't do that for eight months.

[Brian Ortega]

I, I, I got my. I got my pound. My car impounded at the lax.

[Thomas Yolis]

What'd you do? I got to know how you got impounded at that.

[Brian Ortega]

Me and the homie went to Colorado to go train. To help train some. Someone help him out for their fight. And then when I got back, I was like, dude, I'm not tripping. Like, my car. Like, dude, where's my car? Type thing. I was like, now where's my car? He's like, no, we got the wrong part. Like, I'm very good. We're like, we're here. Like, you should have took a photo. Like, no, I know where.

[Thomas Yolis]

I know.

[Brian Ortega]

I know where I'm at my car. That's my spot. Why is another car my spot? I was like, and there's no way someone jacked this lax, bro. Like, there's the cameras everywhere. You'll be done with nothing to do it here. Call the people, whatever. I gave them the license. I had to go through my phone.

[Thomas Yolis]

To find the new license.

[Brian Ortega]

I went through my phone to cuz I didn't even know my license plate.

[Thomas Yolis]

A picture.

[Brian Ortega]

And I found a picture, and I gave. And I gave him. I gave him the license plate. They go. You go, we do have a black truck, a Trundler, but that's not the license plate. So I guess you know the license, because I never put the license plate. I never even learned my. I never knew him. My. I still don't know why I realized it's still. It's still sitting on the paper ones. Yeah. I still haven't changed it. They won't pull me over, though. They get behind me.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. They check and go, all right, man.

[Brian Ortega]

So I'm just that guy.

[Thomas Yolis]

I did it too.

[Brian Ortega]

All right, cool. But I bought mine, like, two years ago.

[Thomas Yolis]

I did it for, like, eight months so I could hit the fast lane or hit the express lane and go. I don't know whose license plate they're hitting me, but it's not my license plate. And that's true.

[Brian Ortega]

I use express lane here. But I have this little sticker now.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh. See, I got the sticker when I. When I had the rental for too long. I need. I need to get it, because I'm gonna rack the rental charge. They don't like getting toll fees. Just let you guys know. It's a toll fee plus 50 bucks every time. Yeah. Just in case you didn't know that, but.

[Brian Ortega]

All right.

[Thomas Yolis]

So you got the paper plate still?

[Brian Ortega]

I still got them. Yeah, but. But he said, I'm not even gonna write you up for the plates. I go, hey, man, they're somewhere too, but I just can't find them. And the truth is, like, they're remodeling miles right now. So they are literally somewhere where I can't find them. Like, the house is a mess right.

[Thomas Yolis]

Now, so at least you're not lying.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm not. But even when they were there, though, like, when the house was. Was chill, I would see them every day in that yellow envelope and not open it. And then even. Even my wife's like, brian, put your. I was like, I will.

[Thomas Yolis]

I will.

[Brian Ortega]

No, we're past that. I'm like, dude, I ain't gonna do it. I'm not gonna go through this, too. I'm not gonna do it. Like, you already know. I don't think it's responsible, but not in that aspect.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, it's not lazy. It's just like.

[Brian Ortega]

I don't know what it is.

[Thomas Yolis]

I don't know why.

[Brian Ortega]

I don't want to think I'm rebellious, man.

[Thomas Yolis]

Something, huh?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. I Think I want to go against the grain.

[Thomas Yolis]

Something like, I don't have a front license plate, and I know that's illegal, so my.

[Brian Ortega]

It is.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, wait till they get me. I don't know why. It's like a little thing.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, my mom tells me it's because you're still young and dumb. She said, there's a part of wisdom that hasn't kicked in yet. I believe it. I believe it.

[Thomas Yolis]

I think so.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

As I'm getting older, I'm like, as.

[Brian Ortega]

You get older, you'll be like, you'll finally. You'll finally get there. One point where you're like, I see why. To just do it.

[Marty O'Neill]

I got it, like, six months ago. Like, I know what's in.

[Brian Ortega]

I remember.

[Marty O'Neill]

I remember that my is.

[Thomas Yolis]

He's in a full adult now. It's really cool. I'm almost there too. I think I'm getting close. I'm getting close to, like. You have a routine. As soon as I wake up and give myself the hour to myself, I think I'll start evolving or something. I'm gonna get taller. Watch. But then you woke up early. You're getting taller, dog.

[Brian Ortega]

Hey, put those things in your shoes.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, no, just. God's gonna be like, get that surgery. Have you seen that?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. It's crazy. I saw a video of it. They. They cut your bone.

[Thomas Yolis]

They cut your chin, and they stretch it.

[Brian Ortega]

They do something. I saw, like, the little.

[Thomas Yolis]

The vast time lapse of the guy.

[Brian Ortega]

Not even the timeline. It's like, it's done through, like.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, the surgery. AI thing where they show you what they do.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, yeah. What? They do one with the steel rods in there, like, three, four inches. And then. So they basically break your bone in half. Put a metal thing and then put something else there. And then the bone somehow grows back on the metal thing and extends your bone. Yeah. And then all of a sudden, you're like, six something. I wanted to do it because I was like, bro, I'm short.

[Thomas Yolis]

You're not sure.

[Brian Ortega]

A lot of people. I just ran to someone yesterday. They go, shorter than I thought. No, no. I go, you're big. You're bigger. You're a lot bigger on TV.

[Thomas Yolis]

So is Daddy DeVito.

[Brian Ortega]

And I was like, I didn't know how to take it.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'm like, I'll fight you.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, I'm five, ten. What you mean, bro? Like, I'm not.

[Marty O'Neill]

People assume fighters are.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm not. I'm not that. You know? But then I'm like, should I work out more? Like what am I doing? I do something wrong or what?

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, let's go. I'm not as short as I thought. I thought it was like 5, 7, 5 8. I'm like 5 9.

[Brian Ortega]

But I see the other part of the division. I'm like, these guys are really small.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah, Yeah. I didn't realize, like, we'll say it now. Me And Marty, when T.J. dillashaw was coming, we're like, like, he's small, right? I'm like, think so. He's a little guy, right? So he comes in. I'm like, martin, when he comes in, challenge into a fight, like, just joking.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

He's a small man. We're like. And he walking. What happened? Both bigger than I am. And he goes, oh, I don't have to cut. He was. He's like, I'm walking at 188. He's as big as his table. When he walked in, he stuck with the jacket on.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, bro. I didn't realize, but, yeah, I could see, like, I thought you'd be bigger.

[Brian Ortega]

He was on a diet, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

He's.

[Brian Ortega]

He fights at 35, so he's like, me.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, exactly.

[Brian Ortega]

I let myself, like, chill right now.

[Thomas Yolis]

You really be Vegas.

[Brian Ortega]

I'd be like 190. Pretty solid. That's wild. But because I have. I have. I know that, like, that day comes where.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So I. I even. Even when you decide I want to eat whatever, you can. You just think, like, you have these flashbacks to weight cutting and all that. You're like, yeah, like, I already know if I dive into this, I'm gonna enjoy it. And then I'm like, get another one. And then that becomes something. And then they give you a call, and then you're like, something squishy right now. And, like, you guys want me to. So I was like, no, don't. Don't do that no more.

[Thomas Yolis]

I think. I think with your lifestyle and your career, it's. It's pretty normal. Everybody, like, you can't just eat anything you want.

[Brian Ortega]

My girl said once you retired, she's like, you need to be a fat ass. She's like, watch.

[Marty O'Neill]

You've earned that.

[Brian Ortega]

She's like, watch. She's like, you're going to blow up.

[Thomas Yolis]

How. How big's your dad? Is he. Is he a fat dude? Is he sk. Like, in shape guy? Is he look like I do? Because then I get this.

[Brian Ortega]

My dad, my daddy is he.

[Thomas Yolis]

That means he's a pretty fat guy. If you hesitate or take more than one second, you're Worried about.

[Brian Ortega]

Just don't want to say it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, he's a big dude.

[Brian Ortega]

I don't want to say, is he.

[Thomas Yolis]

Smaller than I am?

[Brian Ortega]

He's five six, five seven. He's not talking about Heisman. He's 230 or two something.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, okay. Okay. Yeah. No, he's not that big.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, he. He's.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. I was expecting the fool from Spawn. I was like, the way he hesitated, like, oh, is this a problem?

[Brian Ortega]

Put this.

[Thomas Yolis]

My.

[Brian Ortega]

My family, they got the biggest. Eugene.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, you're this. You're this. You're the skinny and shape one.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm considered ripped from my family. And people. And people see me as, like, pip squeak or. Or not even. Whatever, you know? But every time I go to Mexico, like, oh, damn, man, you in shape. And you did. I'm like, soda. And he bred all this in my head. I'm like, damn, the standard is low. I'm good. I was like, I'm chilling.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like, damn, you got a good one. He's five one. Wow. Like, in Mexico, the standards are different for sure.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm telling you, bro. Like, I. I go in there, and it's like, I feel weird because I'm like, hey, man, like, rice, beans, tortilla, and, like, chill. Like, just give me the tacos. That's it. Like, away. I'm like, so when. When I go over there, it has to be for, like, minimum of a week. And I already tell myself, like, you're eating what they give you, and that's it. Like, enjoy life for a week, bro. But when you get back, we're back on the grind.

[Thomas Yolis]

So wild to hear that. Your family is not shaped like I expected. My. Yeah, my dad's a pole vaulter or something, dude. You know what I'm saying?

[Brian Ortega]

The people. The people that look good on my mom's side.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, for real?

[Brian Ortega]

All my uncles are, like, 6, 2, 6, 3. And they. They. They can be. They can be big.

[Thomas Yolis]

Are they, Jared?

[Brian Ortega]

But they're lazy.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, okay.

[Brian Ortega]

Are they not Mexican, I call them? Or amiga body like an ant body? No, they look good. Remember the.

[Thomas Yolis]

The Tidy?

[Brian Ortega]

The FA N? The. The. What's that movie? Men in Black? Remember those little. Little skinny creature with the big bellies?

[Thomas Yolis]

But you talking about the coffee ones?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, but. Yeah, but they start here. Yeah, those are my uncles. Six, two. I don't even know what they're called.

[Thomas Yolis]

But, yeah, no, like the Grinch. He's just skinny with a big ass gut.

[Brian Ortega]

Those are. Those are my uncles. Those are all my uncles.

[Thomas Yolis]

My step. That's my brother Martin. Just like that. Oh, but for your mom.

[Brian Ortega]

I hope I get that.

[Thomas Yolis]

You will. You'll just. Just that.

[Brian Ortega]

I hope I get that. Because even that, like, like, if. If I had that, if I. If I give myself good discipline after, then I'll be all right.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, for sure.

[Brian Ortega]

But.

[Thomas Yolis]

But, yeah, but on your mom's side. Are they Mexican?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, they're all Mexican.

[Thomas Yolis]

But they're 6:2. Yeah, we got to figure out what happened because all my uncles are six four, six three. Yeah, but they're German. German, Portuguese, raised in Mexico. So it's a little different. Yeah, something happens. The bimbo bread is making a short or something, bro. Because they're everyone in my. Everyone. But my family is short as deleted the photos.

[Brian Ortega]

My cousin posted a photo one time of it, but he deleted all of them.

[Thomas Yolis]

He tried to find the gut.

[Brian Ortega]

No, the photo of like my uncle. So you can see like the high difference.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, they try to find your uncle.

[Brian Ortega]

I wouldn't do that.

[Thomas Yolis]

So he deleted him. Like. Oh, damn.

[Brian Ortega]

Just the height. This is actually a pretty good photo. It was like during Christmas, but you got. You get to see like.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'm like, damn, you got the trifecta. I'm gonna say that right now. Of all Mexican people. You're light skin, you got colored eyes and you're in shape. Jam, before you hit the jackpot, I.

[Brian Ortega]

Have to be in shape.

[Thomas Yolis]

I know. I mean just in general, like, nobody gets that. My little cousin just had a baby and he has blue eyes. What the happened? He's the only Mexican person I ever met besides my homie Michael and you that got blue eyes.

[Brian Ortega]

And my mom is like skin brown eyes. But my dad is dark and dark like full Mexican.

[Thomas Yolis]

It's my grandpa.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, like, like short as hell. He got lighter being over here. And people still think dark cuz the sun. They used to call him El Negro. Like literally like negro. In Mexico they call you negro. Like you know, you dark.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, Wero is my name till I was like 12.

[Brian Ortega]

They call you like. Yeah, that's how you know. I swear I say these things, but I don't mean it like that.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, no, it's perfect.

[Brian Ortega]

But. But because I know my dad watching, you know, and so it's like, what's he gonna say?

[Thomas Yolis]

That's not true.

[Brian Ortega]

It's not what he does. It's not what he says. What he doesn't say. Yeah, he's him. He's like. He'll just say, look up. Hey. So you did a podcast, huh? I'm like, yeah, like, yeah, I saw it done. Done.

[Thomas Yolis]

And you just wonder.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm left with all this guilt.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like, are you mad?

[Brian Ortega]

What did I say? Did I call him out of his name? Is he mad at me? But because I'm an adult, he can't talk to me. But if I was a kid, in his mind, he just beat my. Like, I'm just. I started going like, all right, so he kills you with the silence, and he knows it. So now I just like, hey, I just don't care. Like, if you got something say, say it. Like, I'll apologize. I'll. I'll take. I'll. I'll hold myself accountable to it. Yeah, but I'm not lying, you know, like, yo. But I get it. Like, if we don't talk bad about each other outside of above us, you know. Oh, so that's why I said, like, I don't, I don't mean it that way.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, I do something.

[Brian Ortega]

I just try to give people the visual, you know, from my eyes.

[Thomas Yolis]

I feel you. Because, like, my dad watches this show now. Like, he's like, hey, I watch your episode for real. Because my whole life, my dad was spun out, like all up or something. But now he's like, get his head on his shoulders more, right? Yeah, but I talk about that. I did start doing stand up and I. My whole closer is about him being on meth, bro. And my dad showed up to my first stand up show and he showed up. I didn't think he was gonna show up to my wedding type of like, I was like, damn, dad, you're here. My. Get ready for this, dog. So my dad's a method, right? Huh?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, no, and it's like, it's about you.

[Thomas Yolis]

And I can hear his ass laughing his ass off. I'm like, let's go. It's just a very weird feeling, dude. It's like a month ago. I was like, I think I just grew up a little bit, man. I think, I think the 12 year old, like, where's my dad? Like, you shouldn't show up to. Dude.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

So, like, it is kind of odd, like, oh, you made it.

[Brian Ortega]

It's a trip how it affects us, huh?

[Thomas Yolis]

I didn't think it did. It didn't. It doesn't make me feel bad outside. But when it happened, like.

[Brian Ortega]

No, but it makes it. You realize it affects you in one way or another.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. You realize, like, this is what other kids. Oh, your dad showed up. That's tight. I didn't realize it was meant so much when he Showed him. Like, I am 34 years old at the time. Like, why do I give a. Yeah, nice.

[Brian Ortega]

Nice. Don't care.

[Thomas Yolis]

I guess I did. I didn't know, but I. I know what it is. I like seeing him. Like, he shows up to my little brother stuff. Like he shows up to me and he's. That takes him to games. Like, he shows all my. Like, that shit's cool, dude.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Seeing the second part of it, like.

[Brian Ortega]

And that's cool. That's cool on your part too, man. Because I was bitter. But then. But then I was like, no, that's. That's dope. Because I had, you know, the same. Oh, yeah, Prince, right?

[Thomas Yolis]

Different.

[Brian Ortega]

I was like, dog. But my brother all of a sudden is. Is cool. But for me it wasn't. Huh.

[Thomas Yolis]

I like that.

[Brian Ortega]

But. But then I had to catch myself, like, hey, why are you being a hater?

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, don't be a hater, dude. That's the thing.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, and then it's like, you know what? I'm really hating because I wish I had it. And I was like, okay, that's why I'm hating. So I was like, made peace with that and then. Get on with your life.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yep.

[Brian Ortega]

I was like, all right. Hey, pops, check this out. Say what I gotta say. Cool. We're good. Cool. Still love you. Still love me. Cool. All right, done. Just gotta let it out. Peace. All right. I'll never say nothing else about whatever.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Like from now on, just be a dad. If anything, teach me what you are teaching him so I can be a better dad. And that's where we're at.

[Thomas Yolis]

So. Yeah, I don't have kids, so it's like a different thing. You know, everyone else has kids. How old's your other boy?

[Brian Ortega]

12 and 11. About to be 11.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, damn.

[Brian Ortega]

Back to back, back to back.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's what I'm imagining your father in law looks like on the left.

[Brian Ortega]

I wish I had.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's a. That's a tall looking white child. That's a big. That's a big kid right there, dude. He's only 12.

[Brian Ortega]

He's 12. He's tall, man. But like, he's tall. But like I said, his. His. His grandpa like the. The silver fogs. He's a silver fox, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

If that's the only goal when I'm older. But hey, man, you're not just like, oh, my daddy's fat. He's old. No, he's a silver.

[Brian Ortega]

I don't know where that.

[Marty O'Neill]

Do your kids do they love that you're a Fighter. Are they scared by it? Do they not like it?

[Brian Ortega]

You know what? They have a pretty cool attitude towards it. Yeah, they have a pretty. They have a pretty good attitude towards it. I'll find. I'll find it later. But like, this last one, so. So the Yair fight last year was the first fight they ever came to.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, really?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, from, from, like, their whole life there. You're. You're not allowed to come, like, to my fights, nor do I want you there.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

That was it. I just didn't want you there. I don't think it's. And I still think the same way, but I always check in with them. But to me, some. Something about watching your dad go through what I go through. When you're in there and the, the outcome is uncertain and the damage is uncertain, you're. You're not cool with the idea of that being normal for them. Yeah, it's like, hold up. It's normal for you to watch your dad get beat up to a pulp or him beat up someone to a pulp. That's like your normal. Yeah, that ain't right. That's my mentality. Right. But then people help me make peace with that, with, say, hey, you're a professional athlete, though. It's not like you're doing it in the street. And I think that's where. Where that. Because I remember my dad fighting and then you. The, like, the impact I left in there was, like, not a good one. So I don't want to see them. Like, I don't want to wa. I don't want to have my kids basically, the way I watch my dad fight. I don't want that. I don't want to repeat that. I still did when I was younger. Like, I, I, Yeah, I fought someone right before I fought Max. I got in a street fight one week before that fight. Oh, yeah. With my kids in the car.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh.

[Brian Ortega]

And. And it was something that my kids still remember, and, and even now it traumatizes them as in terms of, like, if there's an issue with someone, like, on the street, they're like, oh, damn. Like, if I'm. Someone said, what's up? What's up? Like, dad, dad, please don't. And I'm like, Like, hey, calm down. Because, because, you know, you get a lot of time, bro, Especially la. The way people driving, the way we like, the attitude. They. Sometimes they don't know who you are. And they're like, all right, cool, you barked at the wrong tree. Let's go. Like, we were on the way to some fights not that long ago. And some guy almost, like, hit me. It was like a couple. Like, a month ago, two months ago. He cuts me off. I honk at him like, hey, dog. He rolls his window down, starts hitting him, starts flipping me off. Whatever. I said, really? My head. Like, really? Like, no, I got my kid with me. Whatever. Chill. And then they proceeded like. One of. I said, you know what? Let's go. It's two of you, one of me. It's a fair fight, like. And then my son's like, dad.

[Thomas Yolis]

Dad.

[Brian Ortega]

And I was like. So I went on the freeway and just mind my business. Actually, my coach Mike's. If I was on the phone, he's like, brian, don't do it. Brian, don't do it. Like, remember, like, we're. We're getting past that. So. And he stayed on the phone with me so I wouldn't do it. So. So. Because once I see a light, sometimes it's hard to come back.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, right.

[Brian Ortega]

Once you're, like, up, fight. That's it. Like, nothing else exists. And then. Then, like you said, then you're dealing with the consequences because you're not really thinking about it, which is something I got to get better at. But I'm happy. I'm already there, as in terms of not doing it.

[Thomas Yolis]

And you're acknowledging it.

[Brian Ortega]

But anyways, like, that's. That's. He's. He's kind of traumatized by that. Where. And I'm, To a certain degree, was the same way watching your dad, like, fight. We're like, nah, that's not a good thing. Then. Now they're watching me fight. But it's in this. In this different setting. It was confusing at first. I would lie to them when they were kids. Like, they would watch the tv and I would tell, like, my wife. I'm like, don't have them watch my fight. Like, but why not? We're all. I was like, don't have them watch my fight. Like, I'm not. I'm not. I'm not asking you. They're not watching my fight. I'd come home, and it was a war. The first thing my son does.

[Thomas Yolis]

Daddy.

[Brian Ortega]

Daddy, Daddy. I saw you with all the blood. No. And I look at her like, are you serious? Like, the one thing I. Like, the one thing I asked and the one first thing, that when I walk in the door, I'm supposed to be in a celebratory mindset, and now I'm pissed off that he was in a movie. That was a movie. It was it was just acting. But look. Look at me now, right? Do I have blood? No, it was just. It was just a movie, man. It was like, Like. Like. Like a show. Like they say it was real n. It was just a show, man. So I would lie cuz I was unsure. But the yid fight, I. I sat down and finally my wife and I and the US As a unit were all like, in a great place, right? So it's like, hey, what do you feel about them coming? Because Caleb, my eldest, he's like, hey, dad, I want to go to a fight. Joshua, the youngest, he's still like, give or take, he'll say yes. And then the day of the fight, he'll say no. But then last minute, he might say yes. So like, his tickets always like, yeah, hey, you got to be like a last minute person because my. My son says no, then you got to take it. If not, then sorry, but that's where we're at. They came to the first fight. Fight in Mexico, and it was a victory. So there was not much to say about that. But this last fight, it was not right. I lost my decision and I had to go to the hospital after. But then when I watch videos of him because my son's like a little blogger or like a little kid, whatever, so they'll. They'll take. They're like fans. They're the. They're legit fans. So he has a video of him like, after the fight, like, in. In the little hallway, kind of like, just like, he's a badass, right? And I'm like, hey, man, when was this video taken? Like, after your fight? I was like, so you were cool? He's like, yeah, man. He's like, I got little. Like, I got sad because you're my dad. But, you know, like, it's a. He's like, you get to it. It's a sport, this and that. And then Joshua in the lands, like. Like, yeah, like, you know, cried for a little bit. But, you know, I know you're tough. I know. I know you'll be back. Like, so then we just had fun, you know, I was like, like a relief.

[Marty O'Neill]

What a relief.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, it was a relief, bro, because I've been battling this for a long time where I was like, all right, you saw me win, but now you see me lose. How are you gonna take it? They took a, like, chance, bro. I'm like, oh, you know what? I got. I got good kids when it comes to that.

[Thomas Yolis]

Never thought about that aspect.

[Brian Ortega]

I just think about it, bro. Like, it's the way I picture yourself, like a young dad and, and growing up watching your dad fighting and having a toll on you. And now you're doing the same thing. So it's like, hey, bro, you're supposed to be better, but you're doing the same thing.

[Marty O'Neill]

It's like a double life, kind of.

[Brian Ortega]

Not even that, but it's like, bro, you didn't break the chain.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yep.

[Brian Ortega]

Why didn't you break the chain? You already know it's a chain to be broken. No line. Act like you don't. That's something you don't want for. You didn't want that, so I know you don't want that for them.

[Marty O'Neill]

Exactly.

[Brian Ortega]

So how come you didn't do it? So I was pissed off of myself because I'm very judgmental myself. Like, you or like, you know, like, don't be. You know what? I'm very hard on myself.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

That's why, like, when the fans get at me, I'm like, dog, you should see the way I talked about. I feel that, dude, you had nothing compared to me.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

You think you could talk. And I know me. And I know me.

[Brian Ortega]

I know me, dog.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like, dog, you a 12 year old. No, I remember, I remember everything that I didn't do right. And I think about it, when I was 11, I did this. It didn't. I don't know why, but it's. The only person that pissed me off is me. And that's it.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

Do you get annoyed at, like, the crossover fights, like McGregor versus Logan Paul, like, all, all this, like, stuff that's going on, or do you know?

[Brian Ortega]

Nah, bro. Like, I, I, I stay in my own lane, you know? Like, like, almost like you said, you're happy for people. I wish it was me because that's a lot of bread. Hell, yeah, I wish it was me.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

That's all I think of. Like, I wish it was me. And I'm happy for you.

[Thomas Yolis]

Exactly. So stoked you made money.

[Brian Ortega]

That's it. Hey, dog, like, it's entertainment, whatever you want to call it, people like it. People tune in, people sign up, people pay. You guys, you guys make money. If you ask me, on a personal side, hey, what do you think about it, like, as a martial artist, whatever. Obviously I'm gonna tell you, hey, man, the guy's training, he's fighting. But there's a difference between what he's doing in the real pros.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Because boxing, it's, it's boxing that's taking the hit, not, not mma, not us. There's not, like, fake UFC fights.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Now, there's this. Where you see these fights, and they're. To a certain extent, they're real. But when you look at it through a different perspective of a fighter, that guy's like, bro, you're making a mockery out of us.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So there's. I. I see both sides, and I'm not even trying to sound like a politician, but it's like, I see both sides.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

I see why you're pissed, and I see why you're pissed that they're pissed, but I see why. You know, Like, I just. I see it all.

[Thomas Yolis]

And then you're in the middle. Doesn't. Not me.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

And then you keep doing your life.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm in my own lane.

[Thomas Yolis]

Exactly, you're in the middle.

[Brian Ortega]

But my whole thing is like, don't get me wrong, I'll jump in both lanes, because at the end of the day, that's what I do for a living. I fight for a living. I punch people. I make money. Or I get punched and I make money. That's my line of work. And they're all in. All three are in the same pile. When you look at it, we all got gloves, we all got a commission, we all went to war, and we all got paid. That's the. All similarities at the end of the. At the end of it. And I look at it like, you got paid how much? And you got paid how much? And I got paid how much? Let me dive in yours, bro. Like, I want. I want 60 mil. I want 20 mil.

[Marty O'Neill]

Like, why not?

[Brian Ortega]

Why not? Let's go. I'm not. I'm not hating towards it.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Bombing. Live your best life. Like, that's it. I hope the money don't. Don't mess you up.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

If anything, I'm more worried about you as a person. Like, just don't let the money mess you up, bro. That's it. Because I hear things, and I've been through what I've been through, and I can only imagine, you know, if you oppress, triple it, or whatever it is. Right. You're like, damn, that's a lot.

[Marty O'Neill]

I feel like the tone of the fans after the Jake Paul, Mike Tyson.

[Thomas Yolis]

Fight, I think people just got upset because they're like, I really want to see fighting. Because everyone that watches that 90 are fighting fans, and the other 10 are like, Jake Paul trends. I'll watch it. And the people. I think people get disappointed. I. I think I was out of.

[Brian Ortega]

Dave and Buster's when that happened. Yeah. And the people around me, I was, like, not trying to sound rude, but, like, damn, you guys are all stupid, you know, like, but. But that's from my perspective, right?

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

They're like, I think Tyson could have done it. And I was just like, okay. It's like, all right.

[Thomas Yolis]

And what are you saying that in terms of, like, it was never real.

[Brian Ortega]

It's just. I'm just not gonna speak on something I don't know about.

[Thomas Yolis]

Got you. Right.

[Brian Ortega]

And that's it. That's just my thing. I don't know if it's real, if it's fake. I don't. You just have no idea.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

And the last thing I'm trying to do is partake in the same conversation just to agree with you, just so you can nod your head and say we're both on. On the same team.

[Thomas Yolis]

Thinking, of course.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, I just. I really don't know. That's it. I don't know if it was real. I don't know if it was fake. I don't know if it was party match. I don't know why he was biting his glove. I. I. Like, I have no idea. That's just it.

[Marty O'Neill]

I'm not gonna act like I do.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm not gonna. Yeah. What do you think or do? That's what I think. I don't know what the I'm talking about, if anything. All I know is, like, at the end of the day, they bought. They got punched, they made money. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

They all cashed out. I know that.

[Brian Ortega]

That's all I know.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'll buy my glove.

[Brian Ortega]

I can only speak on the facts that I know.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

That's all I know. I don't know the rest. I wish I could sit down in person and get an honest conversation without anything but, like, so what's up? I would ask questions, and if I'm ever in the room, I still wouldn't do it just because it's not my business.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Right. But if we were ever in the room, like, and it came up and it came up, I would love to, like, sold out. Like, why were you biting your glove?

[Thomas Yolis]

Why'd you have your ass out, by the way? Why'd you turn around and walk away with your ass?

[Brian Ortega]

That'd be the first thing you know. You. You would ask questions in a respectful manner.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

You know, like, my. My. My thing is more. I'm coming out of curiosity now. My judgment. I get to sit on you, bro. I'm just curious, and I want to understand. And once I understand. All right, cool. Like, whatever it is. Hey, loose lip sync for sure. Say, but, like, thank you for sharing.

[Thomas Yolis]

I think it's just the. The check. I mean, like, that's a fat check, dude.

[Brian Ortega]

It is a good check.

[Thomas Yolis]

People talk about me. I can still knock you out. And I got paid.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's how I saw that.

[Marty O'Neill]

I heard when Tyson was like, I don't care about my legacy. Like, I was like, he's getting paid.

[Thomas Yolis]

Out of this one. I like that. You know what I love? When people make money and they infect nobody else negatively. That's fine with me.

[Brian Ortega]

But then you also look at some of the things you said, though, even like that, because the first thought was like, oh, this was making money, sold, whatever. But then, you know, being in this game, you start to think, like, dog, it does cross your mind after, like, you. You've been through some and. And you see everything, you're like, is this all worth it? Because come 100 years, you ain't gonna think about me. You're not gonna be around. You're kidding. I know who I am. You're not gonna hold Tyson. He's not. Like, it's over.

[Marty O'Neill]

That's what it is.

[Brian Ortega]

So, like, who's really gonna think about it? Maybe one or two generations. Yeah, his generation. The one after him, they're gonna. They're not gonna even know who Bruce Lee is.

[Marty O'Neill]

No, no, that's true.

[Brian Ortega]

So then, like, almost like, when you get high and you have these deep conversations, right? You're like, does it all matter?

[Thomas Yolis]

So Mike tastes a lot of mushrooms or that.

[Brian Ortega]

So.

[Thomas Yolis]

But.

[Brian Ortega]

But it is a legitimate conversation. We're like, dog, you guys are not gonna care about me. Like, and if I am here, I might as well make some money, take care of my. My. My tribe, my village. Village. And. And. And when our time is done, hopefully we made peace and we all dip out. Like, that's it.

[Marty O'Neill]

That goes back to, like, I'm doing this for me. This is what I want to do. My heart's in this. That's why I'm doing. I'm not doing it for your accolades.

[Brian Ortega]

Well, we all have our roles, right? We all play a role in our tribes. Depending how the big your tribe is. My tribe is. Is. I'm. I'm the breadwinner of the tribe. I make sure we have a root food, this. That protection. Like, there's a certain role I carry on in my tribe. My woman carries a certain. My kids are my grand. My. Their grandparents. My parents carry theirs. My. Like, we all have our roles in our Tribe. And we, we're, we're close. So as long as we do our work and our part, that's it.

[Marty O'Neill]

So do you have an idea what you want to do when you stop fighting?

[Brian Ortega]

I thought about it, but not fully. There's just a very, there's a lot of routes. Yeah, I've done acting, I've done jiu jitsu, I've taught, you know, mma. Like, I've, there's running a school, there's acting, there's podcasts, there's. There's just a lot of routes in which you can go totally Right. And there's just not a route that that's been one to say for sure that's the one I'm doing.

[Marty O'Neill]

You're still so in this. I mean, I'm sure when you get to that chapter, you're life, be a parent, what you want to do.

[Brian Ortega]

I, I, I do like acting, though. From what I saw, it's like a very similar style. When you're on, you're on, and then when you're off, you're off.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So I was like, I like that. And when you're off, you're doing something that's going to complement when you're on.

[Marty O'Neill]

Right.

[Brian Ortega]

So these guys are either still doing auditions or this, or staying in shape for whatever role or getting out of shape for whatever role. Right. So, like. Yeah, so, so. But they're still working even when they're not working, working, so it's still purposeful. Just, you know, when I, when I hear things about how the industry is, then, okay, I, again, I don't know.

[Thomas Yolis]

Which is what I heard, but you hear.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, yeah, But I'm curious. Like, let me just see for myself.

[Marty O'Neill]

I think you'd crush it as an actor.

[Brian Ortega]

I did the Tax Collector, which was cool.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, with Shia LaBeouf. Yeah, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So it was with Shall Above. So my first role was a speaking role with shall above. And I was like, what? Welcome to. Welcome. Welcome to acting.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Which was dope. I had no idea the significance of that till people brought that up. I was like, all right, that's dope.

[Marty O'Neill]

That you got a speaking role.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, yeah. There's like, people like that that are in the acting world. Like, dude, we've been just in the background extras for years. Yeah, for years. And like, you just jump in without anything. Do, do your, your audition. And I thought I didn't get it. So then I got the audition and I was like, all right, perfect. But I still, even till this day, I'll be Lying to you. If I said I fully still knew this, the significance of that. I just know I met people along the way, and they were cool, and I was able to work with. With them. You know, Like, I did that. That movie with Mark Wahlberg where he wants to be a pastor.

[Thomas Yolis]

I haven't seen that. Yeah, I know, exactly. I haven't seen it.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, father stuff. Well, the director, she's super dope, and, like, she still sends me messages, and, like, she just. About life. How you doing? How's your kid? Like, I'm still training. Like, just. She literally thought of me because, hey, you'd be good for this part. It's a fighting role. You don't speak in the beginning when he's, like, boxing. I'm one of the guys that's fighting with him. Sort of like fake punch him in a ring. It's like, hey, that's part of my life. I've done that with one of the guys who's. Come on. Everyone knows he is.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, of course.

[Brian Ortega]

So it's like, all right, cool.

[Marty O'Neill]

Like, that's legendary.

[Brian Ortega]

Another. Another tally there for. For your resume, right.

[Marty O'Neill]

You know, first two acting gigs with Shia LaBeouf and Mark Wahlberg.

[Brian Ortega]

All right.

[Thomas Yolis]

Sick.

[Brian Ortega]

Hey, not. Not. I'm not even mad at all, you know, that's dope. I'm very blessed, and I'm thankful for that. Amen. To. To the people out there, like, thank you for that. I'm always grateful for that.

[Thomas Yolis]

I could totally see John Wick 5. And you're a Russian assassin. Like, don't speak yet, because then they know you're not Russian yet, man. For real. But you pass as a fool in a suit with a gun. Oh, yeah. I'd be scared, actually.

[Brian Ortega]

My homie's doing a movie next this year, actually, now, and I'm gonna be part in it.

[Thomas Yolis]

You Russian?

[Brian Ortega]

No, no.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'll say, cuz then I hit it right on there, dude.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, we talked and everything. Shot me the street script and everything is dope, man. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Sick, dude. What?

[Brian Ortega]

A different training thing, but again, it didn't happen because I did auditions. I mean, it did, but, like, this one didn't. It's just. Even the other one is like, hey, Brian, I thought of this idea, like, are you down? Cool. Let me see. Like, all right. Did it cool. The. The one. The. The tax selector happened when the first fight with Max fell through. I don't have anything to do. I'm like, dude, I'm just bored out of my mind. He's like, cool, go do an audition for this movie. They just need someone random right now. Like, they had a list, but, like, I told. I told them about you. I'm all right. Cool. I did the audition. I butchered it. They said, do it this way. I did it that way. Like, all right, thank you. Have a great day. I was like, damn. I was like, two days? Really? I was like, I don't know about this world, but I thought I get at least three.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So how to go? I was like, yeah, I messed it up, man. Acting ain't for me. He hits me like, hey, you got the bar. I was like.

[Marty O'Neill]

So you weren't trying to even be an actor? It just came to you?

[Brian Ortega]

He. Yeah, he hit me up. Yeah. Brad Slater from wme.

[Thomas Yolis]

You never know what could happen, man.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

You really don't know what. So for everyone out there, like, not know what if they're 14, getting in trouble? Do it. You might be with child, the buff on screen one day. Like, you don't know what the hell could happen. Truly.

[Brian Ortega]

You just take this for. Yeah, it's a journey. And enjoy it. I know it sounds cheesy, but, bro, like, enjoy it. Because I came in here just thinking about fighting. The fact that I'm telling you that I did acting with these people and I was in the same room with them. That's just like. That's part of the journey that came with it.

[Marty O'Neill]

Exactly.

[Brian Ortega]

Don't forget, fighting got you there. But, you know, when my time is done here with. With fighting, because I can't do that forever, then absolutely. I would love to go into acting like my brother. I would like to go into teaching for fun without having to run a school and worry about it on the business side of it. Because then you. You do lose part of your heart in there because you're worried about the ship not sinking.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

But when you do it just for fun, then you can genuinely do it out of your heart, which is what I do now when I go to, like, to. To Grace University. I teach for fun. I'm like, yo, Hunter, let me have the stage finally. And he's like, let's go. And I'm like, guys, check this out. And I geek out. And, like, I get to teach and. And explain this and. And through my perspective and through the wars I've had and everything. And I just see the student's eyes and they light up, and I'm like.

[Thomas Yolis]

Cool. I love this.

[Brian Ortega]

If I didn't have this job, this is where I'd be. This is my first home, was teaching you know, so then I just. You just never know, man.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

And even, like, you Talked about the YouTube. I did something with Ronnie Sandoval, who's a pro skater from Pedro. He's like one of the men out there at Channel Street. And I was like, what. What do I like to do, bro? We skated. I dropped in on. On the ball. We just. I know, like, that it's there. Like.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, just drop it on a bowl is just not a skill. You just have this full. You're just good at so much. It's insane, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

We were like. But he was showing me, like, I did a thing where I'm sitting on the edge and he, like, pops up and goes over, puts his hand. I don't even know what, between my legs or on the outside, whatever, but like, that board. And he just, like, looks at me backwards with the board in his hand and like. And then goes back and I was like, dog, that was down. I was like, this is, you know, so it's like, bro, this, this. This journey here allows you to. I would not have met him if it wasn't for the fact that we were both two people in the same type of industry. As in terms of we're pro something and we're trying to make it, but the fact that we got to cross worlds in that aspect, it was dope. I met guys, pro surfers, pro this, pro that, or even actors and. And it's just. It's dope.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

You know, to. To cross those worlds together and see what they like. I skated with him and he trained with me.

[Thomas Yolis]

Exactly.

[Marty O'Neill]

Sick.

[Brian Ortega]

We just. It was dope. And then the whole time we just talked and was like, let's just keep the cameras rolling. Let's just see what we get out of this. Just because this is what I like to do.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

If you were. Say, Brian, you don't have to train, you don't have to fight, but you wake up every day. What do you do? I'm surfing, I'm skating, I'm snowboarding, hiking. It's something for sure, with adrenaline, rock climbing, I'm lifting weights. And even that's considered training. Right. But, like, I'm doing something that. That's. I'm picking up something new that's gonna throw me into like a. A cycle of fails and knowledge and wisdom. Right. Like, I suck at it. I got better at it.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm frustrated with it. I suck with it. I'm better at it. And then a year down the road, you're like, if you were to take, like, the data, right? Which is a video. And you film me now, and like, a year from now, you're like, oh, that fool got good. Like, I take pride on that.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like, just learning is good. Like we said, it's when you're video game and you want to get your stats up.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, that's what you've been on it, too, right now. Hey, I sucked at video games, and I'll face them right now. I talk right now. I'm on Fortnite.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, okay. So I suck at Fortnite. You can jump too high, dude. I like, call dude.

[Brian Ortega]

You can't jump five feet of duty all the time. So realistic Fortnite. Like, my son was always like, dad, Fortnite. Dad, Fortnite. I was like, shut up. Like, Fortnite. I don't even play video games since I want to. It's just my downtime. Yeah, sure enough. Like, we're going through it. And I was all sad and stuff from all the surgery, and I had to be at the house, and my son's like, fortnite. Then my homie came through. Mommy Richard. And he was like, playing Fortnite with my son. I was like, hey, boy, you're into this game? He's like, hell, yeah. Boo is dope. And I was like, come on, dog. This is a kid's game. He's like, nah, dog. He's like. And then he's one of my homies from the neighborhood. So he's like, oh. He's like. It's like, just run up on these fools. He's like. You start blasting them. He's like. And then when you kill him, you steal all their stuff. He's like. And then you go in the house and you just take everything. And then you see what you want, what you don't want. And the way he explained that was like, oh, I'm interested. I was like, hold up. It's like, our crew versus your crew. And, like, who's better? And we get to jack you after. Like, let's go. Like, I was like, let's do it, homie. And I got into it. Sure enough, man, we won V1 with one of the homies, Matthew. And he beat me, like, 30 to nothing. Like, 1v1. Like on. On Goaded, right? Or Tilt to wars, whatever you call them. And I was pissed. So I've been playing for a year, bro. Like, the other day, I beat him 10, three. And this was like, you know, like, he's a gamer. He's a gamer. Like, he's like, he goes down a halo. Like, first halo. Like, that was like, my, my. Like he's a gamer. I. Hey, Matthew, I. You 10 3, baby. 10 3. We said personal intent, so I, I beat him 10 3.

[Thomas Yolis]

Is this one of your homies that were competitive as hell in your. In your little group?

[Brian Ortega]

So, so he's a. He's. He's new to my life as in terms of, like, I met him through my sister because he's my brother in law's brother. Oh, yeah. So we like family. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

How cool you found somebody that's cool in law. That's die.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

I've heard horror stories, man. I like it.

[Brian Ortega]

But they were, they were horror stories in the, in the beginning. Not horror stories, but it wasn't, you know, pleasant. Even. Even he hits me up like, now that he's like, hey, bro, I'm so happy that, like, we are the way we are. He's like, because before, like, you're just a dick. And I was like, what do you mean? He's like, and he can talk to me like that. And now he's like, like, you just look at me like all. Like. I was like, yeah, I thought you're a piece of. He's like, I am. But now you don't look at me like that. So it's like, we're cool now, you know? Like, he knows it's all love and if, if he's ever in a jam, I got his back. So, like, that's how it is, you know? But we, we talk a lot. Like, if I call him right now, I'll talk. Well, I was actually on FaceTime with him all the way over here.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh. Because he was like, that's your homie.

[Brian Ortega]

He's like, you hopping on. I was like, oh, he's a gamer. It's like, I'm doing a podcast, man. He's like. I was like, hey, you up, man? I was like, I told you, come here and kick it with me and drive like, and drive me around so we can like, you know, because I try to bring in people to enjoy this with me, right? Because it's like, if you're gonna go for this ride, they say it's lonely at the top. It don't have to be. People just have to know the roles up there. Like, you know, like, hey, bro, you're not me, cuz I had people, like, try to be around me and try to be me. Like, hey, chill out, dog food. Like, relax. Like, you're not. Calm down, calm down, bro. This. This got to Your head.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, damn.

[Brian Ortega]

Well, they go to the clubs and, like, think like, they're the God's gift to women. And they're like, yeah, the bottles on me. I was like, f. Yeah, pay for it, Denark. Also, every. Like, it's just, you know, like, every situation brings out something different.

[Thomas Yolis]

Something.

[Brian Ortega]

Even with Matthew, I tell him, you know, he, you funny about some things that you do, but I ain't going to blast it out loud like that.

[Thomas Yolis]

But so you be screen watching this.

[Brian Ortega]

He's going to watch this for, you know, love your ass. And even Richard. Richard stocks ass. And, like, why you told Matthew you love him, not me. And now Brian like, hey, Brian, I love you too, dog.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, damn. That's my.

[Brian Ortega]

That's my dog. We toxic to. Like, how come you said about him and you didn't say, what's up? But. But we're close. Like, every night we hop on, we're like, hey, get on. Get on.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, see?

[Brian Ortega]

And we give. We give each other permission to be toxic.

[Thomas Yolis]

Permission.

[Brian Ortega]

Permission because one of the homies lives in North Carolina. He's three years.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh.

[Brian Ortega]

But we have. We have jobs and lives, you know, so it's like.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, I'm saying they just be toxic just to do it. Permission to talk.

[Brian Ortega]

A year earlier, we had a FaceTime, all four of us, which all we're doing just doing the same thing, just talking to each other.

[Marty O'Neill]

So now your kids aren't even involved, like your homeboys.

[Brian Ortega]

And my kids getting mad. Not mad at me, but I don't know the right word, but he was like, because I bought them their own PS5 and their little cousin broke it. So that's on you. It's not on me, you know, because. Because we. We got. We start fighting over the TV now. I'm like, hey, man, get off. Get off. Always like, dad, chill. You're 30. Like, you're in your 30s. Like, stop.

[Thomas Yolis]

I bought it.

[Brian Ortega]

And that's exactly. I'm like, my tv, my house, my rules. And then my wife's like, are you really doing that?

[Thomas Yolis]

Yes, I am.

[Brian Ortega]

He's like, he's your son.

[Marty O'Neill]

I was like, oh, you're right.

[Brian Ortega]

I was like, you know what? When you gonna be done? Can we, like, can we share?

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, damn. I. Hey, get off the phone on the Internet.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm like, hey, give me an hour.

[Marty O'Neill]

An hour.

[Brian Ortega]

I kick him out. All right. He's like, ah, you. We're gonna warm up without you. I was like, all right, just. Just warm up. Play with. Play with me. But they don't it don't really count on there. And then it's like. But don't play ranked. Only ranked with me.

[Thomas Yolis]

What's right means like record.

[Brian Ortega]

They're ranked as, like. How you explain ranked? It's like, it's for real. He just knew that.

[Thomas Yolis]

How do you do it?

[Brian Ortega]

It's your stats, it's your stat.

[Thomas Yolis]

What's your fight record?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, bro, I'm. I'm diamond right now. Hell yeah. Boom. Diamond. I'm like level two. Two. Something I know in real.

[Thomas Yolis]

In real words. What does that mean?

[Brian Ortega]

I know you're good.

[Thomas Yolis]

Okay. He plays a lot.

[Brian Ortega]

See how he's. You said that.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, like you're diamond.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, that, that. I don't even know what it means. I don't even know what it means. But when I. When my son's like, damn, D, you're. I was like, I ain't that one punk I used to be, cuz. Cuz he's like, you're trash. Or this.

[Thomas Yolis]

When little kids call you trash at games, I'm going to flip my table over.

[Brian Ortega]

Bro, you're trash. You're a. You're a. Try hard. You're a sweaty. Try hard. You're. You're. You're. You're a newbie. You're. Oh, you're a Fortnite dropout because you play Zero build. I get it all, man.

[Thomas Yolis]

This is all gamer talking.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm just sitting here and I guess there's a new thing going on. Like, bro thinks he's a meme. Have you seen those? I guess there's a tick tock thing saying like, bro thinks he's a meme.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, they just say that.

[Brian Ortega]

Where, where you know when you watch real, and it's like very motivational and stuff like that. And it's like. And then like that same song that. That is going viral with that video.

[Thomas Yolis]

Light's calling you that.

[Brian Ortega]

I guess there's like a. A little.

[Thomas Yolis]

It's like saying, try hard, but in a meme version.

[Brian Ortega]

There's like, I guess like this is like a dwarf or something. But like there's a song playing.

[Thomas Yolis]

He's like, oh, that guy. I love that guy that dances. If he was regular height, he'd be on Disney Channel.

[Brian Ortega]

But that song, I guess was like a song that's popular. So they're like, bro, think she's a meme. So when I whoop Matthew 10 to 3, like, I'm telling you right now that I sent him a. I sent him a meme with Andrew Tate in it.

[Thomas Yolis]

That.

[Brian Ortega]

That that said, what's your biggest fear? Is like a coward. I sent it to him. He goes, never trust a coward. Because. Because. Because he goes, you confront a man, man might stand up to you, but a coward. A coward doesn't abide by those rules. And he. He goes into it. But that song, Dance with the Devil, it's. It's in the background and it's pretty still.

[Thomas Yolis]

Probably kids are trolling, roasting you was pretty awesome.

[Brian Ortega]

So I'm beating him and it's like 10, 3 or 10 or 8 something, right? And I'm like, I'm laughing at him and because he got pissed off that I sent him that video. Cuz, bro, I literally, by the way, it's 10:1. The only reason why he got that one was because, hey, my sister's at the door. Let me answer it. And just like the. And just like the video says, never trust the coward because they'll turn behind you and stab you in the back. He literally grabbed the blade and killed me. Me. And I was like, doc, like, you literally shot me behind my back. Like in the game, in real life, it wasn't here. But I played that thing and I was in there, like playing that song, me and the Devil, whatever. And I was laughing because I have the control and I have the phone playing. And I'm just talking. I'm talking a mess. And my kids are like, no way. That thinks he's a mean. Like, he thinks he's on me. And then they start. They start roasting me. And I have no idea. Idea because they both come out with phones. And I'm like, I know. I got. God, I just don't know for what, you know. Like, I know this is like a you guys age type thing.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yes.

[Brian Ortega]

I don't know, but it's not good.

[Marty O'Neill]

Something's happening here.

[Thomas Yolis]

I know. If there's two. If someone's snickering behind a phone, you're done. Yeah, you're toast.

[Brian Ortega]

And then in public, because I told. Oh, because. Because I told him, I'm not the same punk that you used to know. Right? I was like, I go, you know what? Now you're somebody that I used to know. And then I played that song. Now you're just somebody that I used this.

[Thomas Yolis]

Dude, you're a gamer, bro. Did you know we were talking about this whole thing for two hours? You smiled a few times. We talk of games.

[Brian Ortega]

Look at our reels. Look at our reels. Told bro not to rush. Fortnite. It's like a casket. Fortnite. Casket. Oh my God. I know.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like, look, you're in the Fortnite community, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

Process is getting on. Oh, man.

[Thomas Yolis]

Hey, bro, I'm getting out. Get it. You're. No, you're a gamer. I don't know if you knew that. You're fully in this game community.

[Brian Ortega]

No, that's another one. Not that Chinese thing, right? Like, did you see it?

[Thomas Yolis]

Talking to kids, trying to children. Surprise, surprise. Didn't see that one. K. Yo, I'll say. That guy's pretty funny. His take on weed.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh, there's the one. Look, look.

[Thomas Yolis]

But he's funny.

[Brian Ortega]

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?

[Thomas Yolis]

Never scare a coward. If you scare a coward, the way they lash out is never honorable. If you scare a real man, he might stand up in front of you. If you scare a coward, he'll stab.

[Brian Ortega]

You in the back.

[Thomas Yolis]

You should be very careful how you deal with cowards. They're the most treacherous.

[Brian Ortega]

They're the ones who will betray you. They have no honor or dignity around me.

[Thomas Yolis]

I don't like interacting with cowards. Your enemy is a coward. You have to be very careful with how you deal. He's the epitome of, of motivational.

[Brian Ortega]

I send this for this. I'm like, you're a coward because you stabbed. Cool.

[Thomas Yolis]

Cool.

[Brian Ortega]

We just, we just, you know, like, we just, we, we rag on each other like. But, but the reason why we call it coward is cuz, you know, like when you're down, you can come and save your homie.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, the revive thing.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, this will. He. He forgets all about us and does his own thing to survive. So I was like, for you, I said, even in a video game when you can be fake a hero, you're still a coward. So, but, so you know, we, we cut pretty deep in there, bro. Like, if you don't have thick skin.

[Thomas Yolis]

Don'T get on permission to be toxic. You're a coward, dog.

[Brian Ortega]

My home, my, my homies. He. It's, it's. I know it's 2:00 in the morning over there. FaceTime. FaceTime. FaceTime. Facetime. FaceTime. FaceTime. Face, face, face. And I'm with the other group. Like, he'll answer eventually. Don't trip. Face, face, face. It's like 50 missed calls. And then, and then I'm like. And this morning he ignored me and I called him back and he's on face. I said, oh, so now you want to answer 54 calls? He's like, dog. He's like, oh, it's. I'll see. Like, nah, nah, nah. He's like, either with us or you're not. He's like. He's like, come on, man. You know I love you, bro. It ain't like that. I was like, no, no. I played with your cousin last night. Not even you. I was like, I don't even know your cousin.

[Thomas Yolis]

Damn, the gaming community.

[Brian Ortega]

Yes.

[Thomas Yolis]

I have homies that do this every night.

[Brian Ortega]

My chick is over. She's trying to throw an intervention for me.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, you're on it like that, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

I have a little ass. My kid got a seat for Christmas, like a little game return.

[Thomas Yolis]

And you've been using it.

[Brian Ortega]

I told her, grandpa, I said, hey, thank you for the chair, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

Silver fox, I appreciate this chair.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. I was like, thank you. Thank you for the chairman. And then my wife's like, nah, he's on it more than the kids. He's like. He like. He like, brian will train, hang out with us, and then punk everybody for that back living room and the tv. And once he's on, like, you don't see him till 2 in the morning.

[Marty O'Neill]

Are you not on Twitch?

[Brian Ortega]

Huh? No, I just got one though.

[Thomas Yolis]

Please tell me please be on it.

[Brian Ortega]

But you know what? I say some things that I would get kicked out of Twitch for.

[Thomas Yolis]

So you have somebody there moderating until I practice.

[Brian Ortega]

Until I practice. Because it just. It just comes out like Therese, you know? Then after, I guess, you know, I don't mean it, but I said it. So, you know, we all, three years.

[Thomas Yolis]

All know the word. It is funnier the fact that no one says it. Everyone knows the word you say.

[Brian Ortega]

I don't know what you're talking about. I don't know what you're talking about. Oh, man. My face.

[Thomas Yolis]

Favorite F word.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, exactly.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yo, I gotta ask. I didn't realize you're a gamer. Who do you question? Who do you pick when you play ufc?

[Brian Ortega]

I don't even play it, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

You played it?

[Brian Ortega]

I never played. You know what? I played it one time.

[Thomas Yolis]

I played part one only.

[Brian Ortega]

I played one time with Uriah.

[Thomas Yolis]

And that's who you picked?

[Brian Ortega]

He. No, no, I played with him.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah. You know how they have the green rooms?

[Brian Ortega]

You know how they have green rooms?

[Thomas Yolis]

They used to have it.

[Brian Ortega]

They had a. They had some certain room where it's like a VIP experience. So you get all the people who had like a lot of money that they paid for for that to hang out and meet us. Well, the experience was like, we chill in the same room. It's like a little bit Bigger than this. But we all chill in the same room. Like, if you're a fan and you had that ticket, me and you would play with each other. Like, basically just you have fun with the fighters.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, right.

[Brian Ortega]

But then obviously, like, some. Some of these guys are a bit nervous, so they. Someone was like, back to high school, like, your crews, that crew, and the fighter crews over here. And unless I go over them, like, hey, what's up? You know, so we're playing and I was like, bro, I don't play video games, man. This is. Whatever, like. And your eyes, like, come on, man, play. And we played and he whipped my ass in it. I forgot who I picked. I think I. You know what I'm thinking about? I think it was he. He was him and I was Anderson Silva. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

And it's a pretty good character.

[Brian Ortega]

I lost. I don't know how to play.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's a hard ass. Part one was fun.

[Marty O'Neill]

It's so hard.

[Thomas Yolis]

I took my.

[Brian Ortega]

But then you hear even guys like, like, Max Holloway. Have you seen him? He was like, what?

[Thomas Yolis]

Play again.

[Brian Ortega]

How'd you get so good? Or like, or your fight iq? He's like, dude, I just play a lot of ufc.

[Marty O'Neill]

That makes sense.

[Thomas Yolis]

I was just Brock Lesnar. I super man punch. I shoot man punch over and over and over.

[Brian Ortega]

My kid. And I. At first I thought maybe that was like, that's him trying to, like, undermine how good he is and like, minimize it by just being joke, like, joking about it. But my kids, they fight a lot.

[Thomas Yolis]

They get it all.

[Brian Ortega]

And they, they can rear naked choke, arm lock. They can strike. They can. And I never taught them anything. My whole thing is like, I'm not like, you guys play soccer and you, you stay in your lane, I stay in line. They know how to fight. And then everyone's like, dude, you have them trained so good. And I was like, I don't know what you're talking about, because we don't even train. But I do. Your kids are so good. Like, the other guys are grappling a wrestling. This one's a striker. And I was like, again, I don't know where they learned it from then when I had to ask him. But, like, my older brother or my younger brother has had secret kid illegal fights underground. Yeah. So they've been fighting their whole life. And then the UFC game. The UFC game is here, and they learn from there. So I guess when I was in training camp back in the day, my brother would grab my kids and make them fight, like. And you think like, jokingly no, they're fighting. No, they're fighting with real UFC gloves.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, and they're punching, and there's like.

[Marty O'Neill]

Oh.

[Brian Ortega]

And then. So I blame my brother. I love you, but I blame you, bro. Because now my cousins or their cousins scared my sister's kids. She has four kids. They come over, and we're me and my sister. Not that it's bad, but it's like, your son. Your son. So we're, like, playing Whose son's the Angels? And now I'm realizing that my kids are hosting fight clubs. Yes. And they have, like, the little twins, like, a girl fighting with a boy. And, like, the little girl's sucking him up, and the boy's sucking her right back up. And I'm like, I'm completely against this. And my brother now, he grew up, so he's in his own thing. And then the. The main guys are my kids running the show. They're running the show. They're the Dana Whites. It's crazy, bro. Like, and then the younger one will get into it with the. With the eldest of her kids, and then the really fighting, like, taking the gloves out, like, really wanting to fight, and it's. It's a whole thing. And I would have not believed it if it comes to word of mouth. Like, the kid tell. Till I seen it. They video it. So they do Jumbotrons.

[Thomas Yolis]

Stop.

[Brian Ortega]

You know how they do a Jumbotron? They grab the phone. They grab the phone airplay to the tv, put it on, and they put the phone there so you see what we're doing on the tv and live.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like, it's a real ufc.

[Brian Ortega]

So they. They dim the lights. They. They grab the lights. They put them in the center. They grab all my gloves because I have a bunch of gloves. They put them on each other. They put the Jumbotron. The kid, my son, he's Bruce Buffer. He has his card set up before they get here. Like, who's fighting who. They have tournament. Like, it's legit. I thought it was, like, kids playing. No, it's legit. Like, it's a legit system. He really does it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Incredible.

[Brian Ortega]

And it's. It's dope to see their imagination towards it and how much time they. They. They put into it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Do they have a bell? If they have a bell, your kids are gonna be.

[Brian Ortega]

That's it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Okay, okay, okay.

[Brian Ortega]

They'll say, ding, ding.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, they make the noise. Oh, let's go.

[Brian Ortega]

These guys are serious, but they. They legit. Like, there's rounds. There's time. There's cornermen like you. And then like, you'll be his cornerman. I'm his cornerman. And the kids, bro, the kids are three, some four. Like they were two or three. And the, the sad part and cool part is a little 3 year olds in there, like. And like listening and taking the advice. In the corner. In the corner. And then they're in the chair and then they get up and they're like. And they're like. And I was like, dog, no way.

[Thomas Yolis]

Where's your wife?

[Brian Ortega]

She's.

[Thomas Yolis]

She'd hear ding, ding, ding, ding. She don't hear it?

[Brian Ortega]

No. No. They take advantage of my mom's house.

[Thomas Yolis]

Grandma's house.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. Grandma's house is a spot, not my house. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

There's a. There's a mattress outside. We slam each other in the.

[Brian Ortega]

My brother's room.

[Thomas Yolis]

Let's go.

[Brian Ortega]

My brother's room's all the way in the back. So it's like, it's hard to hear. So they lock the door. They. They lock it and they host these fights and because we're so busy and like, let all the cousins at the.

[Thomas Yolis]

I don't want to show them violence.

[Brian Ortega]

So we have no idea. Till. Till actually my, My. My wife by up. She's like, dude, she's like, we got to talk. What's up? She's like, these kids are the ring leaders. She's like, I didn't realize how like violent our kids are till like it was actually show like the rough. She's like, I've seen. She's like, I'm. I'm seeing kids now. They go to soccer tournaments and the kids hang out and whatever. And the first thing my kids want to do is fight. So I had a whole like, what do I do? Because I like it. I like that you're tough, you know, like you can like. And the. And to me, it's like the more people. Kids your age that you fight, that's like training to me. It's like the better you're getting. You're getting to know how to deal with this kid who's 100 pounds or not, but like, like 20, 30 pounds heavier than you. And you're learning with this kid who's a little more faster, more agile. Like. So to me, I'm like, you we kind of training.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. And you can't blame me for it.

[Marty O'Neill]

And I have nothing to do.

[Brian Ortega]

It's all you like.

[Marty O'Neill]

And this is dope.

[Brian Ortega]

So it's like, it's bittersweet.

[Marty O'Neill]

Would you want them to go down that path if they wanted to.

[Brian Ortega]

Not at all. My brother told me the other day, he's like, hey, bro, like, if this acting thing don't work out, he's like, I'm gonna get in your lane. And I was like, hell no. I was like, I'll pay for you to go college. He's like that. It's like I'm fighting.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, your little brother?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. Oh, he's tough, dude. 19, 20, didn't turn 20.

[Thomas Yolis]

So I was like, he's ray training.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh, he's good. Oh, he's, he's already there. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Whoa.

[Brian Ortega]

Like he, there's, there's some amateur and pro fighters that he'll put hands on. Yeah, he's just, it's just you guys blood, dude, he's just a good hearted kid. He'll hurt you, but he doesn't want to hurt you. Yeah, but if he had my heart, he'd be, he'd be a problem.

[Marty O'Neill]

Is there less kids coming up through mma? Cuz like cte such a known thing.

[Brian Ortega]

Now, I have no idea that that's something that. It's still fairly new for mma, right? Boxing, you hear it a lot because they take multiple hits which rattle the brain, obviously. And if you were to take us, they're like, bro, you guys just get knocked out fast. Yeah, it looks, it looks scary. And is there damage? 100. But like you said, the max fight was a crazy one. And that was only 300 blows. Boxers go through that in like by rounds five, just your brain, by the time it hits 12 rounds, they've like triple that amount. That's why you see like a thousand. Yeah, like a thousand. 12, like or, you know, 1600 punches thrown, 800 landed. You're like, dog, you fought in 800 hits hit you.

[Thomas Yolis]

Damn.

[Brian Ortega]

And you know, it's all body and head with us. At least there's takedowns. Yeah, we can hold you against the ground for a while or against the wall for a bit. So does it look scarier our part? Yeah. Yeah. But are we getting concussed or are we getting hit to that level? No. And a lot of fighters are even coming out saying we don't even spar anymore. Oh, I've heard that we don't even spar.

[Thomas Yolis]

Just less damage.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, less damage makes sense. I show up to the fight, the fight is the damage I get and I come back. And even in the fight, if you kick or grapple or get whatever, or even get put put to sleep, it's over. And you wake up and then you just chill and you rest at the right way, then you're back to normal. So, so it's still, I think there's something the fans started doing to talk.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, right.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh cte.

[Marty O'Neill]

Stupid.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh cte. Like, bro, some of these people, they talk like this before they even start fighting. That's just the way they are.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Like you got to remember we are fighters. We're not normal to begin with. It's not a normal thing to say, hey bro, go in there and fight from 20, 000 people and by the way, get really good at finishing this guy. That's not a normal, that, that's not normal.

[Thomas Yolis]

To hurt people is not the first thing your brain wants to do.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

So when you do it, you're like, I'm good at this. And he wants to fight. It's all for a game. Then you're gonna be insane.

[Brian Ortega]

But I've met some people that are, that are cold hearted like that they're not good at fighting. So there's like multiple levels. Like one, you gotta like be okay with hurting people, right? Then you got to be good here. Then good in this and good. Like so there's levels. Then you gotta fight pro and then you got to make it through all the regionals just to get to like the place that I got to win the belt and then get the shot. And then when you get the shot, how do you do against it? So it takes a lot of things to get there. They were that way before. Whether it's they speak different, they would have look at Nick Diaz, right? A lot of people say a lot of bad things about him. But now that you're watching the interviews, now you're like, dog, everything you say makes sense. If anything you're like, do I like the guy? But back then in that time you're like, oh ct, you don't know, speaking or whatever. But now you're like, damn, I feel for him. Or I see him. If anything. That's one of the, the people that I, I, I feel for, man. Because such like we this legal now. You guys took the best years of that man's life, bro. Like the years that he was killing it and suspended him for pds when, when like basically suspended for PDS as in terms of the same time frame for smoking weed.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's crazy.

[Brian Ortega]

Come on, dog. And now, and now it's legal.

[Thomas Yolis]

It's Rick Williams. Same thing happened. Rick Williams, he was like, you guys did them dirty.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, did them dirty. And, and I don't know they compensated him or nothing. But like, they stole a lot of that man's attorney, you know?

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

I feel for him, bro, a million percent. I really do.

[Marty O'Neill]

Because he could have been such a superstar.

[Brian Ortega]

I mean, look at his brother. Yeah, look at his brother right now. Like, Nate is killing it. Imagine him and Nate together.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's how I imagine they're from. Right from where I'm from. So we know the Diaz brothers from Stockton. Like, we're from Merced. They're hometown heroes, bro. They're badasses.

[Brian Ortega]

So that's. And that's what I'm saying, man. It's things like that. That. That, like, okay, the people that deserve it. I get it, you know? But the people that don't. He didn't deserve that, you know?

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

But his character is. Is who he is before he started fighting. You see his kids as a photo. He's already like. Yeah, it's already like, who he is. That's how he is. Don't blame cte.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah. That's just.

[Brian Ortega]

That's how we are. All of us are a bit different. We all do the same. So we're not all fully there at this. At your level. You know, we just. We operate and think different.

[Thomas Yolis]

I think it comes with most people high performing. You see scientists like this full stuff. It was a robot. I can't even talk to this full. But that's just because he's on a different level than you and other scientists going to relate to that formula. I get it.

[Marty O'Neill]

100.

[Thomas Yolis]

But you talking about getting punched in the face like, I'm good. You talk to a fighter like me Monday. Yeah. Punch in the face, bro. Since. It's just different, man. Like, people see me smoking, I pound a wee. Like, how. But it's just what I do. So I get it. It's just different stuff.

[Brian Ortega]

But don't get me wrong. Is there. Yes. Are some people. Yes. I'm not. I'm not trying to say, like, I'm not trying to give, like a. Yeah, this is why. But just learn how to differentiate.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Which one is which? You know?

[Thomas Yolis]

Good.

[Marty O'Neill]

Dude, last question.

[Thomas Yolis]

What.

[Marty O'Neill]

What music do you listen to?

[Brian Ortega]

Everything. Everything. I think the last two counts were all country.

[Thomas Yolis]

Old country or new country?

[Brian Ortega]

Morgan Walling country.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, nuke new. Okay.

[Brian Ortega]

I listen to old one. But, like, it used to be low, lowrider oldies, Then it was like funk, then it'd be rap. And then it. It changes depending on my mood. But, yeah, the last year I would say it was like country.

[Marty O'Neill]

What about, like, audiobooks, podcasts? Anything? You're super Heavy into while I'm training. Ever.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh, ever.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Reading is something that I, I just couldn't get myself to do. I listen to everything I, I till this day. And it's. And I don't say it as a mark of honor, but I, I've yet to read a book. Everything, everything I've learned was, is through actually you. When I read a book, I get like, impatient or, or I don't understand what I'm reading. And I actually had a conversation with, With Richard because Richard's like, bro, I read this many books, like, but when I was in prison, I go, hey, did you ever, you know, feel this like, dog? All the time. Like, when I first started reading, I didn't feel like I'd understand it. He goes. But once you get into it, he's like. He's like, books are better than movies for sure.

[Thomas Yolis]

They get insane.

[Brian Ortega]

So he recently told me this, and that's actually sparked up my, my interest to, to further pursue reading books and actually getting into there. Because in my state of life, you get busy training kids, life, blah, blah, blah. You get very few time. You get. You get a little time to yourself. And I just spent a whole lot of talk about what I do in my time myself. I play Fortnite. So I'm literally like, the homie's gonna get mad, but whatever. I'm gonna jump off a little bit and then go back and go into reading.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. It's good though. Your brain's a huge muscle, dude.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. And I'm gonna do that. And then that's hopefully what is. It's gonna be a game changer.

[Marty O'Neill]

You can pull a lot of motivation.

[Brian Ortega]

Because Hannah, like, if, if you talk to Hannah. He's very educated, he sounds very intellectual.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

And he never went to college, but yet he's running a multi million dollar business. Not only one, but a couple of them. He invented things like the sleeper hold, the quick flip. I don't know if you even know what those are.

[Thomas Yolis]

I don't know what the quick flip is.

[Brian Ortega]

Quick flip is a sweater that turns into a backpack hoodie like this.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, wow.

[Brian Ortega]

Within three seconds. The guy invented it because he dropped his sweater picking it up. He dropped a sweater on some mud or water picking up his son's toy or something at the park and was like, there's got to be a better system for this. And he created a whole thing and it's like a running multi million. Like it's a mil. It's a business. And he's on Shark Tank about Like everything. And then when you're like, oh, dude, the man is like on another level.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Then he turns around and figures out how to. How to solve the sleeping problem at airplanes.

[Thomas Yolis]

What could you.

[Brian Ortega]

You sleep with a little neck thing.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, it's the worst.

[Brian Ortega]

You still fall. Yeah. You put that little cat house looking thing that you have to inflate. That's whole mission. And then you look at everything else that's always. He made the thing that clipped on clip in. Like put a little pillow here. Put the thing said do not disturb or wake for food, whatever.

[Thomas Yolis]

And it goes around your headrest and.

[Brian Ortega]

It goes right here. And you would think that if you sleep like standing up, you can't, dog. And I'm not type as his thing. It works. He knows me. I'll talk, talk to him if I don't like him like that. It just sucks. It works like, like we're doing like the, the like, hey, bro, do a video doing it. I was like, I was falling asleep in it.

[Thomas Yolis]

I was like, dog, this is dope with insomnia. If something works, bro, let's go.

[Brian Ortega]

If you're sitting up, well, you're not. Everything goes black. You're chilling the pillow behind you. You feel good and you just fall asleep.

[Thomas Yolis]

That sounds incredible, dog.

[Brian Ortega]

It. And it fits to every seat. I don't care what airline. He's literally gone to every airline to make sure.

[Marty O'Neill]

Grace, you're talking about.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

Jesus Christ.

[Brian Ortega]

He only teach how to kill people. But like he's, he's an actual like different type of human being. And that's what I'm telling you. Like he got that way because when I first like started being around him, I thought he was weird because we would sit, we would drive in his car to work out. And I'm like, dog, we're about to work out one. You didn't have coffee, you didn't have no energy drink. That's okay. In my, in my thought, I'm like, that's odd. Okay. You just had like watermelon juice. I was like, okay, all right. But now we're driving and do this crazy workout. Like the sand dunes. Like we're gonna do it 15 times a day non stop. I don't care. And I was like, dog, that's crazy. He's like, but we're gonna bear crawl the way down. And I was like, all at 7 in the morning. That's just what we do for breakfast. Oh, and then we're gonna train after all day. And I was like, so what's Our hype music. You listen to an audiobook and I'm just like. I was like, dude, what are we doing? He's like, and now he's right. You know, when that. When you grow up, you have that moment, like.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, is right.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

I was like, dude, he's right. I should have been doing this. I'm barely doing it now. He was doing it when I was 14. 15.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So I'm like, imagine if I started back then, I listened.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

I could only imagine how. How smart I would be, the things I would know about, the things I wouldn't know about. So now I'm gonna pick up books.

[Thomas Yolis]

About my first book since high school.

[Brian Ortega]

Last week, I read one book in the Bible there.

[Thomas Yolis]

That counts as two.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Did you read the Old Testament and the New. That's four.

[Brian Ortega]

Just one book in the Bible.

[Thomas Yolis]

I read the one book, the Bible. You made a chapter. I read the chapter.

[Brian Ortega]

No, no, it's.

[Thomas Yolis]

They're.

[Brian Ortega]

They're books.

[Thomas Yolis]

I know, I know.

[Brian Ortega]

Inside, it's a book with 66 books inside of it. You know what I'm saying? I'm learning a little bit.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's a budget. But, yeah, like this one book, you get 66 books. Shame and religion sometimes, bro, it's.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, it's been a game changer.

[Thomas Yolis]

Incredible.

[Brian Ortega]

Not even game changer. Just my life's changed.

[Thomas Yolis]

Good, man.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

I can't do video games. I. I'm hooked.

[Brian Ortega]

Video games.

[Thomas Yolis]

I. I got UFC, Xbox One. When it came out 20 days later, I returned it. I was on it all day. Missed a football game with my grandpa. I'm like, what am I doing? I'm addict. I can't stop playing games. If I start them GTA, I can be around for 9 hours just killing people. And I know they're not gonna fight me back. And I'm still play the game.

[Brian Ortega]

Had you. That's why I'm happy that I. That I know guys like Hannah, because I can share what I do and they can create a system for me to still do what I do.

[Thomas Yolis]

Implement it in there.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. It's a reward system, they call it. Right.

[Thomas Yolis]

So for your games are your war system.

[Brian Ortega]

You have to earn it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Two chapters you read and you can kill people.

[Brian Ortega]

You train twice a day. Get 1% better. Do something, write it down. And if it was it, if it changed your life for 1%, that if it. If it made you better 1%, you're allowed to pick that up only for an hour or two. And then you put it. And then you put A timer. Two hours. Starts now. Click. I started there and I just avoided the timer now. But, like, I have to go back there now.

[Marty O'Neill]

The idea is there.

[Brian Ortega]

So me telling you is reminding me, right?

[Thomas Yolis]

That's good. Oh, I like to take a piece from every guest. Go. What did you say that I resonated with?

[Brian Ortega]

But, yeah, you create a reward system in your life.

[Thomas Yolis]

I don't have that. Yeah, that's not good.

[Brian Ortega]

And reward system goes with the fact that you have to be purposeful, not pleasureful. Right. If you live a life of pleasure, you live a life that's. That's insignificant, that you always find yourself with a void. But when you chase purpose, you have meaning. Only problem with full purpose is time to a little space to relax. That's your reward.

[Marty O'Neill]

That's wisdom.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. Purpose over pleasure.

[Marty O'Neill]

That's a goddamn.

[Thomas Yolis]

I need to. I'll get there. I'll get there.

[Brian Ortega]

Damn.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's like. The third person to say rewards is like, come on, man. This one's more joy in the morning sometimes. Come on. Damn.

[Brian Ortega]

And this is why you need it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, but I did it yesterday. I didn't smoke anything until did every single thing I had to do. And I took a damn. Went well, I'm high as hell. Damn. I smoke all day today. But I get it, dude. It needs to be there because I have to grow up somehow.

[Brian Ortega]

But when you want it, you'll get it.

[Thomas Yolis]

We'll get there. And also, whenever you're not busy, I will take you up on that. Just don't, like, hurt my back. I'm not trying to fight you. You just tell me not to do it.

[Brian Ortega]

We're not fighting.

[Thomas Yolis]

I know we're not fighting. If it is, all three of us got to go at once.

[Marty O'Neill]

It doesn't matter.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, no. I'll just use my weight. What's that?

[Brian Ortega]

Your knife on my equalizer?

[Thomas Yolis]

No, you can't stab us, dude.

[Brian Ortega]

In the street. Fight me against you guys.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, we're inside. This isn't a street fight.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm just saying outside. I'm not losing. I'm not losing. I'm getting out one way or another.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, God. If I have to dig through your chest, I will get out of here.

[Marty O'Neill]

Thomas's dad. Bit of dude's face.

[Thomas Yolis]

My dad's insane, but he's the nicest guy ever. But he is in that, like. Like, I'm not. Not leaving. Yeah, he bit some fool's face off. It was disgusting. My dad's disgusting.

[Brian Ortega]

You know what? You got to survive, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

Hell, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, no. If it depends it's me or you, like, I'll jump out the window before I let you tie me up, bro. I'll take my chances flying through the air.

[Brian Ortega]

Speaking of survival, I've been surviving to take a pee for, like, 10 minutes. Oh, no.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'm about to wrap this up. Whatever you need. You're good.

[Brian Ortega]

No, I just didn't want. The conversation was good. I didn't want to stop.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, I feel. You do? Sometimes I'll be sitting here like, oh, my back's hurting, but I don't care. I'll get that gaming chair I just bought. I bought one last night. The. The one for your lumbar. It's. It's so whoever makes chairs is a. Because they know you need them. Like, I'm a tax the out of you. It was $2,000 for a chair for. It's the one that every doctor recommends if you sit in office. Because I have a bad spine.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh.

[Thomas Yolis]

And they're like. It's called the Herman Miller chair. It's like some spot. Everybody I know that does gaming has that chair. I don't want to spend $2,000. But they have the gaming. It's 700 bucks. The gaming one. 700. But it's. It's like this. It goes for every single vertebrae. It's like, for your vertebrae. Herman Miller.

[Brian Ortega]

Hey, buy me a Herman Miller chair, please.

[Thomas Yolis]

Boom.

[Brian Ortega]

If you love me. If you don't, you hate me.

[Thomas Yolis]

And I know why you hate my spine and posture.

[Brian Ortega]

Toxic.

[Thomas Yolis]

Was that your. Your wife or your homies?

[Brian Ortega]

My wife.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, if that's your homie, hey, buy me a Herman Miller chair.

[Brian Ortega]

Nah, you know what, though? They would, though.

[Thomas Yolis]

I just think it's funny. But. Or not. You don't love me.

[Brian Ortega]

Well, hey, but you know what we call each other? I don't know. At least we're not really toxic. We just. All we talk about. We tell each other we're not or we. What we're doing is toxic.

[Marty O'Neill]

Huh?

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, that's fine.

[Brian Ortega]

Toxic with accountability.

[Thomas Yolis]

Toxic with accountability. If everyone had that.

[Brian Ortega]

That's such a rare one. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Toxic with a cat. Like, that's just a comedian, but. Yeah, I can be a dick, but I'll own up to it, basically.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's some very few people. Okay, so last. Like, my last question.

[Brian Ortega]

Go ahead. Broad Land. We're good.

[Thomas Yolis]

All right. What's your favorite video game since you're a gamer? Fortnite, if Fortnite didn't exist. Oh, you love it. Okay. Your son must Be hyped, bro. He found your new lunch, dog.

[Brian Ortega]

I took all. I took over all his skins. Like, so now my. Like, the council. He was saying to say that my son's like a og, So I got some skins in there that I. That I bought, and I don't know that I bought. So now I'm like, hey, I bought these. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's crazy to say. Oh, I stole my son's skin. It's like, what?

[Brian Ortega]

What, bro?

[Thomas Yolis]

That sounds insane to say. I love gamer.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm telling you about my kids. My kids, their friends, they have weird interactions because they're like, hop on. Hop on. He's like, I can't. My dad's on. He's like, you're what? Like, my dad's on Fortnite. Thank you. Dad plays Fortnite. Like, wait, your dad plays video game? Like, so they're. They're like, what the. Like, what's going on?

[Thomas Yolis]

It's not just a kid's game, man.

[Brian Ortega]

It's not to, like, Like, Frankenburg or whatever. And I'm like, yo, you guys did.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like, I bought your own. Your stupid cousin broke it.

[Brian Ortega]

I was like. I told him. I'm like, like. But she's. She's not even. Or. She's barely one. She's like, I said, text your aunt. It's hard to pay for it for sure. And she. He's like, I'm not gonna make one. I was like, and then have your system broken forever. I said, you got. Like, this is where me and my wife have contradicting life lessons. All right? I'm like, I'm teaching him to get the hard talks over with. But in the. In the side, Am I enjoying my system? Hell yeah. Hell yeah. I bought this.

[Marty O'Neill]

Uhhuh.

[Brian Ortega]

And if he wants to enjoy his, then he should have a hard conversation. I was like, cuz, bro, I was cool enough to say, hey, we're fight. We're have. We're having wars with each other now. Like, legitimate wars, where, like, it was a family thing where, like, my wife was like, yo, either you grow up and jump off that game, or we going. Or you going to have a problem with me or buy the kids another one.

[Thomas Yolis]

She's like, simple solved.

[Brian Ortega]

She's. She's like, because I'm not gonna walk in this household and see my husband argue with my kids over who's got the gaming rights right now. It was like, no, it's my turn now. It's your turn. Get out. No, I already counted, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

It was two hours ago.

[Brian Ortega]

It Was like. But I was feeling. I was. And I was like, dog, I gave you guys all day while I train. I can't just come home and like just.

[Thomas Yolis]

Hey, that's true. That's true as hell too.

[Brian Ortega]

Not until your wife gets in there. She's like, I think not. Like these kids were doing homework all day while you were training. So this is like, sorry, but your guys's time match. So share it.

[Thomas Yolis]

You're making me not want kids hella hard right now. Like, I gotta split you, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, they're so dope.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'm kidding. But like, I can't smoke in miles and you want my video games. Her military. You know how much it is? That's all it says. Do you know how much this costs?

[Marty O'Neill]

Six, seven grand, right? Like, that's not even.

[Thomas Yolis]

We're gonna get three or four of them and they were like eight cray. I'm like, let's just. Let's just go to Ikea. And then we got these instead. Dude, we were gonna do it till we realized how much they have. But my back up. So.

[Brian Ortega]

Okay, I bought some wrecks and crazy. Some whatever chairs from. You know what? I don't even. I didn't even buy chairs for mom office. I stole them from my girl.

[Thomas Yolis]

You stole from where?

[Brian Ortega]

I stole them from my girl.

[Thomas Yolis]

Well, didn't she live with you?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, but she had her office, a place of work.

[Thomas Yolis]

She had submitting casual theft and I might have stole from her job. All right, this is my last question for real. Because I like before we started shoot it, you said I was like sometimes like an hour and a half. If they get crazy, we have fun. It's like it's been four hours for real. It's 7:30.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh, what time do we start?

[Thomas Yolis]

3:30. Two.

[Brian Ortega]

But we had the introduction like 10 minutes maybe.

[Thomas Yolis]

Either way, we've been to four.

[Marty O'Neill]

Fans are so stoked.

[Brian Ortega]

But you guys are cool.

[Thomas Yolis]

See. Likewise, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

Right now, when I was. When I was in the restroom, 1. Your bathroom is crazy. You're right.

[Thomas Yolis]

It's so bright. We're changing it. I love orange though.

[Brian Ortega]

I like. I like the color way like the white and orange, you know, like jail again or something.

[Thomas Yolis]

It wasn't over. I went to Home Depot.

[Brian Ortega]

I was like orange about the steel restroom.

[Thomas Yolis]

And I just sprayed it. You see all the drips? I personally painted that.

[Marty O'Neill]

That'll be better.

[Thomas Yolis]

If you ever come back next week. We're supposed to. We're redoing the bathroom next week.

[Brian Ortega]

Put some art, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

We are. We are. Because it's just an orange.

[Brian Ortega]

Just. Yeah. If you don't see in the restroom. Just a bright neon orange restroom.

[Thomas Yolis]

Everything. No seams.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. The door is orange.

[Marty O'Neill]

You went in there with the gun.

[Thomas Yolis]

It was like, I did it all. I hit it with the gun.

[Brian Ortega]

He's like, don't let the orange. I was like, yeah, yeah, whatever. And I turned. I was like, oh, yeah. Like, this was right.

[Thomas Yolis]

I know. We're gonna redo it next. Next week. Oh, no.

[Brian Ortega]

All right.

[Thomas Yolis]

We already picked all the stuff out.

[Brian Ortega]

But what were you saying? One point. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, you and said sometimes it comes, sometimes it'll be four hours, man. Like, yeah, if shit's fun. I'm chilling. I'm. I'm chilling. But here's my question I ask everybody. I wasn't gonna ask because I'm trying to stop being so repetitive, but I feel like you're awesome and you might have good takes. What's your favorite three movies of all time?

[Brian Ortega]

Oh, man. Favorite three movies of all time.

[Thomas Yolis]

I gotta change that. What's three movies you can watch all the time and you won't care?

[Brian Ortega]

Blood In, Blood Out. The third one is. Is. I don't know, man. That one's a tricky one. I only need two to survive.

[Thomas Yolis]

Everybody always says goodfellas or Blood and Blood out right off the bat.

[Brian Ortega]

Goodfellas was cool. I like Goodfellas.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's when the go to's that we've asked.

[Brian Ortega]

But yeah, it's like, blood In, Blood Out. Well, Bronx toe. And I'd have to kick it off with something like, a little more modern, like an avatar or something like Avatar 1 was.

[Thomas Yolis]

Was cool. I haven't watched part 2.

[Brian Ortega]

The second one is dope.

[Thomas Yolis]

Is it really the water?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, it's.

[Thomas Yolis]

Damn. Okay. I just look.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, something. See, Like, I like the realistic part of it, but then I also want to trip out and, like, why do you go to a movie? To, like, to see a world that will never exist.

[Thomas Yolis]

Right.

[Brian Ortega]

At least for me. Yeah, but that shares similarities as a human avatar. Like, I. I used to watch that movie all the time. I had my own little place. One DVD avatar, and I was it every night. Every night, bro. I memorized that whole movie, Even the foreign languages. Oh, yeah, I did. I don't know. I'm not kidding.

[Thomas Yolis]

I know you did.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

If you don't. Only I had Speed and Cruel Intentions in high school. The only two VHS's I had. I know every word to speed, all right? I'll tell you that. Sandra Bullock's parts, too.

[Brian Ortega]

So I was like that with blood in, blood out. And that's a long movie to remember.

[Thomas Yolis]

Three hours.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah. You know what's crazy? I've watched that legitimately a couple hundred times. You know, my dad. It's one of the few tapes we had at my grandma's. I. I mean, I'm telling you, I watched it up a hundred times. I love movies. I break them down. How I didn't notice this. I'm stupid. At the end, when Miko's, like, looking down and what's. What's his name? See, that's how many times I watched it. Green eyes.

[Brian Ortega]

Miko. No, the spider.

[Thomas Yolis]

Spider. Thank you. When he starts breaking up the soap with the comb in it from Montana, and Miko looks at him, I thought he was like, you're the one that sent that comb. They sent the comb. You know how long it took me to realize that? Last year, I've watched it hundreds. I thought mingle's like, dog, you did that. Break it up. And I thought he was like, yeah, that's it. But at the end, when he's sitting there all.

[Brian Ortega]

You know, like, when I was a.

[Thomas Yolis]

Kid, I didn't get it.

[Brian Ortega]

I thought the same thing is like, hey, keep the secret.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yes. I thought it was. I thought he was like, don't say breaking it up. All right? And he didn't say no words.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm like, no, but that. That's him. Tell him.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like, that was.

[Brian Ortega]

Hey, dog, you're the leader, homie. And like, here.

[Thomas Yolis]

I won't say nothing.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yo, I should get me. I was in my 30s and went, oh, Melo did it. I felt so.

[Brian Ortega]

Hey, but you know that. That's real, right? Not. Not the whole thing, but. But Morgan Foo. His name was Morgan. Peg Leg Morgan.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah. He's a real guy.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Isn't that crazy?

[Brian Ortega]

I read. I read one book that. That shed some light on it. It's not a good book, but they. When you're in there, a lot of them. A lot of people read. It is called the Black Hand. Oh, yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So, yeah, that's one of. That's actually the book I read the most. I got to a little bit over halfway of it, but you just, like, he. He breaks it down.

[Thomas Yolis]

The Art of War, right?

[Brian Ortega]

No, no, no. Oh, the Black Hand.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, sorry. I'm talking about. What they're doing is, like, the Art of War.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh. Like Sun Tzu and stuff like that.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'm not sure.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, deception.

[Thomas Yolis]

The deception of, like, taking your own leader out and then embracing everyone around you. And you. The one that did this, you know.

[Brian Ortega]

Who recently did that was Shot Caller.

[Thomas Yolis]

This the same thing, The Shot color movie.

[Brian Ortega]

Have you seen it?

[Thomas Yolis]

I haven't seen it.

[Brian Ortega]

It's pretty dope.

[Thomas Yolis]

I have.

[Brian Ortega]

It's. Obviously, it's not like how it works, but they have the thing in there. It's pretty cool. But. But yeah, at the end of the day, it's. It's the same thing. This fool sets. Sets him up just to be with the main guy, to take him out so he can be the name the new Shot Caller. You know what? I think it's on Netflix.

[Thomas Yolis]

Shot Caller. I'll have to check it out. Because if you're saying it like that, it's anything to do with blood and.

[Brian Ortega]

Blood out, it's like.

[Thomas Yolis]

You know what?

[Brian Ortega]

It's not. It's not. No comparison.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, no. Just.

[Brian Ortega]

But if you want to watch something in that similar realm, that's it. Because, yeah, my girl always gets mad. She's like, you always gravitate towards the same thing. Prison movies, mafia movies, blah, blah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Stories, man.

[Brian Ortega]

I don't know.

[Thomas Yolis]

Humans like stories.

[Brian Ortega]

But, like, I like things like that. Even like Donnie Brasco, things like that. Like, I like. I like watching like that. What about you?

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, man, I. I like a bunch of three random things. Truman Show, American Beauty, Force, Gump. Great movies. Have you seen any of them?

[Brian Ortega]

Forrest Gump, American Movie.

[Thomas Yolis]

You should watch Truman Shows.

[Brian Ortega]

American what?

[Thomas Yolis]

American Beauty. Not American Me.

[Brian Ortega]

I watched American Not American Me, dude. Well, but that wasn't that.

[Thomas Yolis]

The downest fool in the world is that Asian fool at the end of American Me. He's the hardest guy ever. It just sits in the cell. O.

[Brian Ortega]

But, yeah, he just go ahead, man. Do your thing.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's the full for Mortal Kombat. No, Every time I see him, like, oh, your soul is mine.

[Brian Ortega]

Damn. Over there, when they killed that guy doing the weights, it was crazy, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's a crazy movie, bro. American Me is. I always call. It's like Godfather and then Blood and Blood. I was like Goodfellas. It's like this for the younger dudes and these for the older crowd. Kind of how I see both of those movies.

[Brian Ortega]

Did you hear about American Me, though, right?

[Thomas Yolis]

About all of it?

[Brian Ortega]

They. They went at it. They went at it wrong.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah. I've seen the whole Donnie Trejo talking about it and all of it. Yeah. There's a certain one saying, because it's YouTube, but there's a certain scene that never happened. And they were Pissed about it. And that's the worst thing to get to get wrong, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. But you gotta understand, like. And you know, because. Because, you know, people who've been in. In there, what depends. You were northern or something that they run. But you know what they. I heard, you know, they run the ship tight, but that you can't do that, you know. No, what a weird to give people the idea that that's how.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's what it goes. Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

That's what they were mad about because we'll do that. Well, even. But what you'll get. It's over for you if you even think, you know, in there.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So it's just, you know. You know, every. Everything has their.

[Thomas Yolis]

You know, it's a very weird.

[Brian Ortega]

A lot of people too.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, but.

[Brian Ortega]

But, but, but they. They lost their, you know, because I hear I. I'm. I'm talking to people who are in prison right now.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

You know, like, I. We still keep tight. The homies in there right now are telling me what they did for. For New Year's and stuff, how they had burrito, whatever. So, you know, I'm constantly hearing about it, but yeah, they went about it wrong.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. I mean, I think two people from that cast got killed over it. Yeah, two people. I watched the like 30 minutes on it, but damn, that was just some art. And fools got murked over it, which is crazy, but they did it wrong. But yeah, what I was gonna say is blood and butt out. Since you've watched it, it's one of your favorite movies. You know Benjamin Brat, the actor in the movie, the fight. Yeah, that's us of the work. Couldn't he have just did this and shot next to his ass and not took his leg off? I think about that every time I watch it. Mike, you don't even hit your family, let alone like, yo, my aim was off, dog. He's the only one that knows it's him, dude. Hater, am I wrong? Hey, come hit these fools up. Hey, let's fight. Hey, I'm gonna get you sent to prison. I could possibly not send you the second time. And he still does it then. You breath a bitch, Fried?

[Brian Ortega]

Nah, dog, he's not supposed to shoot.

[Thomas Yolis]

Your own cousin, bro. Come on. And he's like, well, your cousin just.

[Brian Ortega]

Your cousin just killed like, how many people right now?

[Thomas Yolis]

Hey, man, you got his ass into this life by bringing him to the top of the hill to murk these fools.

[Brian Ortega]

That off, dog, Everyone. Everyone has their choice, bro. Nope. That.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, no accountability. No, it's a choice.

[Brian Ortega]

Don't try to play that victim.

[Thomas Yolis]

But accountability like, hey, ah, I missed today.

[Brian Ortega]

Hey, you know what? Put it again. I. I don't like being a politician.

[Thomas Yolis]

Right. But, but like you see both sides for sure, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

I, I see it. He turned a new leaf. He gave you a chance, you know? He gave you a chance and instead of ending you because you just ended how many people and that's his job to do for sure.

[Thomas Yolis]

He did.

[Brian Ortega]

He did pop you and let you off. Did you lose your leg? I don't think he meant that. Obviously.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, but.

[Brian Ortega]

Hey dog, hey, no, you know what? You're in that world. Like even when you got out, you had a choice.

[Thomas Yolis]

Hey, man, his boss stole that money to pay gambling debt.

[Brian Ortega]

First you tell me me that you're doing good, and next you're pointing 357 at me. What am I supposed to do? Me glow? You like that? You can't just take who I am.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yes, you can. You were a gang banger at first.

[Brian Ortega]

Shut up.

[Thomas Yolis]

You're dead to me. Yeah, you really watch that? He's all sweaty when he turns. You're dead to me with his little baby leg. Damn. You really watch that movie?

[Brian Ortega]

Hell yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Heavily. You. I thought about it yesterday.

[Brian Ortega]

Is not my own dog.

[Thomas Yolis]

This fool loves it. Dude, I'll tell you, yesterday I was brushing my teeth and I'm like, like.

[Brian Ortega]

But you can't just take.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh my God, dude. Yo, no, no, no, no. I was, I was thinking like when they wrote off gave you anything. Oh my God, dude. To the hands. Yeah. You know what's up but Benjamin Brat's ass. I'll never agree with anyone.

[Brian Ortega]

He still makes a good cop though.

[Thomas Yolis]

He's a perfect cop. He's. He's a great actor. He's a full demolition man that played the cop.

[Brian Ortega]

Check this out. He's a cop and shot caller.

[Thomas Yolis]

Shut up. Does he have a mustache and beard or something?

[Brian Ortega]

Yes.

[Thomas Yolis]

I could see that. I don't know why. I'm like, I can see about that collar.

[Brian Ortega]

I swear.

[Thomas Yolis]

Casted as a cop forever after that, he could have been the best gangster actor ever.

[Brian Ortega]

Hey. Yeah. You know what?

[Thomas Yolis]

It's this.

[Brian Ortega]

He had the perfect. He had the perfect look. And all the chicks, all the chicks love this. He was. You know.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's my, my brother Martin. Yeah, that's his hero growing up.

[Marty O'Neill]

Oh, gotcha.

[Thomas Yolis]

So when I can get in trouble. Oh, get out of here.

[Brian Ortega]

19 KO.

[Thomas Yolis]

When they do this, pour the, pour the. The liquor on his hand. I. I gotta go watch Blood.

[Brian Ortega]

Raise your bumper.

[Thomas Yolis]

Get out like your uppercut. Damn it. We're just gonna sit here and redo. Also. Last thing I'll say. Yeah, he's by himself.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, she hit me up funny. She goes, what? Like a damn office chair. Say, you want it for Fortnite, though. And she put the little eyes.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, wow. She knows.

[Brian Ortega]

Don't worry why I want it. It's for business.

[Thomas Yolis]

It is for business. Start Twitch.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah. Medical thing.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, but for real, like, the last thing we'll say about this movie. Or we're gonna keep going. When Mikko gets to his mom's neighborhood and he sees the tree, he gang bangs on no one. You remember that? How hard he went, like. And there's no one standing there. Dude, think about it. That street would end up. I'll never forget.

[Brian Ortega]

Five points, dude.

[Thomas Yolis]

He does it so hard, too. And no one's there.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, he goes to five points.

[Thomas Yolis]

That should be. I've been watching since I was four years old.

[Brian Ortega]

Nine years. About the local burrito.

[Thomas Yolis]

Look like, too. A little baby ass. God. All right.

[Brian Ortega]

All right.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. I love that movie. You never see it. We'll watch it tonight. I know he's never seen.

[Brian Ortega]

You know, I tell a lot of people, like, my bro, the people. We're gonna binge watch a lot of them.

[Thomas Yolis]

I show him a lot of stuff, though.

[Brian Ortega]

I can't show my kids, though. You know what a good one was? American History Eggs.

[Marty O'Neill]

Of course.

[Thomas Yolis]

I just showed him a couple weeks ago.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, my kid. My kid freaked out, and I had to put it down. And then my wife got mad at me.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah, just skip the curb stomp part.

[Brian Ortega]

You know what? That's the part there. I lost him.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, they're like, he's evil. Like, he's either, like, to an extent, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

They're like. They walked away and they're like, dad.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. Because the hero's now the villain at that point. You lose an audience like that.

[Brian Ortega]

I lost my kids like that. They're like, nope, we're gone. I was like, I watched it when I was your age.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

And I had. I got into a whole, like, you're a bad parent for that.

[Thomas Yolis]

That.

[Brian Ortega]

We don't do that, Brian.

[Thomas Yolis]

No. Hell, no. Natural Killers. I was five.

[Brian Ortega]

What's up? What's up? So you're gonna give me that chair, right? So I could work. But, like, on Fortnite. Work like Twitch.

[Thomas Yolis]

See? Twitch. Twitch on Fortnite. Hello. Yes. Twitch on Fortnite. Exactly. It's a. It's a business expense.

[Brian Ortega]

It's a business expense. And just please get that for me, because he just told me it's the best chair. You got permission? Thank you. Let me finish it. Love you. Get that chair. I want to come home. I want to see the Amazon thing.

[Marty O'Neill]

I want it there when I get home.

[Brian Ortega]

All right.

[Marty O'Neill]

Thanks, man.

[Thomas Yolis]

Hey, if she's really down, there's a. There's a mall that carries them. I'll say that. You don't have to wait all my chicks are rider dogs I'm on day six. Oh, that sounded great. She get pissed off and everybody said, how long you been with her?

[Brian Ortega]

I was with her for 10 years. And then what age? 20 to, like 30.

[Thomas Yolis]

Whole life.

[Brian Ortega]

And then we split, obviously, and, you know, the whole world saw the other. The other last relationship.

[Thomas Yolis]

I gotta be honest, I don't pay attention to nothing.

[Brian Ortega]

That's cool.

[Thomas Yolis]

Then, yeah, I'll pay attention to.

[Brian Ortega]

I went, you know, had another little thing and then had to get rid of her and then found myself single again. And then me and her ended up talking again. And then it was like, yo, where do we go? Like, I had to tell her where we go wrong. And she told me, she's like, you're a dick. And I was like, yeah, you're right.

[Thomas Yolis]

It solved everything. It was like accountability.

[Brian Ortega]

For real, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

There we go.

[Brian Ortega]

For real. She's like, you're a dick. And I was like, yeah, you're right. So then we. We just chopped it up again and then kind of like hashed out everything that. That we went through. And then after that, it was like, hey, I told her. I was like, actually, I with you. She's like, the way you said it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Actually, I like you.

[Brian Ortega]

No, but like, I know.

[Thomas Yolis]

Just the way you said it was wild. Like, nice to meet you, dog.

[Brian Ortega]

I'll tell you what. I'll tell you what. There's very few. And when I say a few, because I. Because I've got. I. I've lived some life now, very few times where you. Where you see your partner or people with their partners where one, the woman respects the authority that the man has. And. And he had obviously, you know, some men abuse it too, right? So don't get me wrong, I'm not like that. But there's. There's very few relationships I've seen where the woman respects a man's authority. And two, they've been each other for, like you said, you know, them their whole life to where it is different. And then three were like, like, I. I with her. Like, if she wasn't who she is. I still think she's dope as. And there's very few women that I've. And I met a lot of women. You know, this career has what it has done for me. I met a lot of them. They're all whack, you know, besides the looks and whatever. And after that, like, when you get to know them for real, for real, you know, it's just, it's different. And, and that's what I tell her say, man, you know what? Like, I love that because. Because we have our roles. We do. Like I said, in the tribe, we have our rules. You have yours, I have mine. I support yours, you support mine. But at the end of the day, like, I'm the house. I'm the head of the household, you know, and we actually had this conversation the other day because I was showing my son some self love because I'm trying to get him like, hey. I told my son, I said, hey, check this out, man. I said, you're mine now. He was like, what? I was like, your mom's stuff is over with.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

I said, you're 12. You're about to be 13. I said, you're mine. Like, welcome to nails, hammers and, and lawnmowers and work and it's like a whole shocking awesome. But I was like, check this out, bro. It's my job to get you ready for the world. And if I don't do my job right, you're going to walk into this world and just wreck people. You're just going to cause with women, with people, with relationships. You're. I'm just sending you out there to. To ruin this world. Yeah, like straight up. That's not what I'm about. So when I walk into someone's life, my job is to make it better, help them or dip out. But it's not to ruin you. I ruin your life if you come in my path in a bad way and you're the one that has to initiate it. You had. You had a ch. You chose war. That's different. Then by all means, I'm. I'm going do what I got to do. But I'm going teach you to be a good man, which means you're going to work, you're going to do this, you're going to do that, whatever reason. And his whole thing was like, dad, I'll be a pro soccer player. I'm gonna be a pro athlete. I was like, hey, I'm a pro athlete. I'm in here mowing my lawn. I'm in here cutting wood. I'm in here doing all this. You're gonna do. You're gonna do it too. So anyways, it was cool to. To have her.

[Thomas Yolis]

Back you up, not.

[Brian Ortega]

Be cool with it. Oh, say, obviously, that's my boy. That's my baby. But I respect your role. Like, go ahead, do your role. You know, I said, don't trip. Like, I didn't. Not abusive, like, yeah. Then like my dad, like I told you about the story where he hit me. Like, not that he was abusive, but there's levels to, to take things to. I said I ain't there, nor will I ever. But he's. He's in a different. He's. He's. He's coming into a new world now, cuz. From here to. To 18. He's my job.

[Marty O'Neill]

It's my job a million percent.

[Brian Ortega]

And if I send you out there, the way you conduct yourself is a reflection of me 100%.

[Marty O'Neill]

That's super true.

[Brian Ortega]

And instead of being like a. Oh, well, like, bro, the way you conduct yourself is a reflection even your mistakes. Hey, it is what it is, so. And. And it forces me to put myself even, you know, even more accountable situation that we're like, damn, we gotta step our game up, bro. He's like, yeah, you thought you were just providing in the house and quality time and all this is dope. But like, damn, dog, now we have to like, teach him how to work.

[Marty O'Neill]

You need dad skills.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

It's like, I don't. I gotta step my game up and learn some of this stuff. Like, I know it, but it's like, to teach it. I do.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, I'm saying, like, that's the thing. Like, I need to do all this.

[Brian Ortega]

I can change oil, tire disc brakes, all that. Like that. That like, I learned my phone, bro, they suck. But you know what? Once you figure it out, you figure it out.

[Thomas Yolis]

Families are wrong mechanics.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. Oh, there you go.

[Thomas Yolis]

I hate it.

[Brian Ortega]

I learned. I learned things, but my dad could change a whole engine, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

My dad too.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. I can't.

[Thomas Yolis]

I. I just don't want to do it.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm more like a tweaker. I can take stuff.

[Thomas Yolis]

I can't put it back.

[Brian Ortega]

I can take apart. Yeah, but I can't put it back.

[Thomas Yolis]

Why are these extra six washers? Why there four extra bolts? That's my treadmill right now.

[Brian Ortega]

I got your bolt in that converter. I can take that out.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. I can't do anything. I can take the tire off. I can spin it. My grandpa's the type to dig a hole in the ground so that you don't have to use a jack. You see that? Ghetto ass ways, bro. He has a jack. That's the thing, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

I just. Yeah, no, I just did some things with the jack that. That. That.

[Thomas Yolis]

That did require for tires. Is that what you're saying?

[Brian Ortega]

It requires just certain topics. I broke into some place, but I.

[Thomas Yolis]

Lifted up the front of this house and crawled.

[Brian Ortega]

I know it's a steel door, bro. Yeah, like I'm telling. Yeah. Oh, I don't want to talk about it because then I can incriminate myself. But it was a dope experience in 1998.

[Thomas Yolis]

There was a bank that got it. I know to say there's a cop out there. I knew it was him.

[Brian Ortega]

It's more like I had just some questions about this certain place, and I just wanted to find out for myself.

[Thomas Yolis]

There's a party in there.

[Brian Ortega]

Not a party, but there's.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, it's a grow house.

[Brian Ortega]

Show you guys after. I'll show you guys after. Pretty dope.

[Thomas Yolis]

Okay.

[Brian Ortega]

All right.

[Thomas Yolis]

Well, dude, no more blood and butt out. I have to show you. We'll watch it tonight. You're going to love it. Favorite movies? Video game. I want to stop because I know you have to go play Fortnite and you have kids, and, like, we've been here for a long.

[Brian Ortega]

By the time I get home, it's dinner in Fortnite.

[Thomas Yolis]

I watch up dinner.

[Brian Ortega]

You know what? It depends. I can FaceTime the hallways and tell them what's up.

[Thomas Yolis]

Tell them, hey, I'm out. I'm reading books. And now watch.

[Brian Ortega]

Let me see. Toxicity.

[Thomas Yolis]

You could go on the whole Facebook group or the whole FaceTime.

[Brian Ortega]

Just the first one.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, no. You're gonna start a chain reaction.

[Brian Ortega]

Sometimes they don't answer because they know I'm being toxic. It takes like 20 calls. Was.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, you weren't kidding about that, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

We. We. Oh, no, it's.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, I'd be so upset if I pull 40 times. Are you tweaking?

[Brian Ortega]

Where you at, fool? My own. Are you gonna hop on?

[Thomas Yolis]

I see. What the hell?

[Brian Ortega]

Hey, shut up. Or you can't say that.

[Thomas Yolis]

We'll bleep it.

[Brian Ortega]

We're live. Or no.

[Thomas Yolis]

Hey, let's go, let's go.

[Brian Ortega]

Hey, you need me.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'm ready.

[Brian Ortega]

Hop on.

[Thomas Yolis]

Let's go. I'm ready.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm drive home right now. I'll call you in a home. All right. Yeah. I told everyone how I beat you. 10. 3, fool. Later. Bye.

[Thomas Yolis]

I love being able to do like that.

[Marty O'Neill]

That's awesome.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, man. All my little brothers and sisters, they're not stronger than me, so I only have that on them. For some reason, they're all getting taller than me, dude. So I got nothing left. I can't to get better at video games, I guess.

[Marty O'Neill]

Right.

[Thomas Yolis]

If I was a badass at Fortnite, O. I would. On all my little brother's friends.

[Brian Ortega]

I hate Fortnite, homie. The homies in on an airplane right now. He's headed to Missouri.

[Thomas Yolis]

Season fools play games in the airport. In the. On the plane with a little popup.

[Brian Ortega]

No, no. They. They have. I went to one airport and. And they had a game station in the airport. I paid like 30 bucks and I hopped on Fortnite. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

What?

[Brian Ortega]

Because you could wait for your airplanes. Oh, it had a whole thing. You. You played 30 bucks for an hour. I told my chick, go do whatever you gotta do.

[Thomas Yolis]

At the airport. It was dice.

[Brian Ortega]

I go in there, mess with the settings a little bit, whatever. Change the screen and not the settings. Because some people have, like. The settings are crazy. Like on build settings.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, you're talking about like.

[Brian Ortega]

Like a circle.

[Thomas Yolis]

Does this. The wood go.

[Brian Ortega]

If I want to look at you too. Like, I can look at you here, but sometimes you move it and it just. It's faster. Some. Some younger kids.

[Thomas Yolis]

Gamer talk.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

Because they build sensitivity. Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So I. I need to, like, slow it down a little bit.

[Thomas Yolis]

This was going to. You're like that kid. Were you the kid in Walmart? Like, yo, who played this last? You ever remember the games, you know?

[Brian Ortega]

No, I'm the opposite. Slow, slowest smooth, and smoothest fast. You know, as long as you know how to do it. But the ones that just move everywhere, I. I like. My son is like that. We used to argue like that. I'm like, why'd you change my setting again? Now I can't figure it out.

[Thomas Yolis]

Blah, blah.

[Brian Ortega]

He's like, dad, you really argue with me.

[Thomas Yolis]

This one does the keys.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh, I don't do the keys. Two of my homies are PCs, though.

[Thomas Yolis]

They're so fast, bro. So fast. They're just doing this with the keys. I can't type.

[Brian Ortega]

I call them hackers, kind of. I've been reporting a lot of people.

[Thomas Yolis]

You beat me, dog. You report.

[Brian Ortega]

I was like this.

[Thomas Yolis]

No way.

[Brian Ortega]

Look how far it was. And like, he got every shot. Like, he's a hacker. Hacker. And they're like, report him. And mad, bro. I'm like, don't cheat, bro. Beat me on a Fair one.

[Thomas Yolis]

All right. All with life. He could only be beat if you fight dirty or if you. You know what I'm saying? Like, we got the fair one, but the dirty one will lose. We have to run.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. All right.

[Thomas Yolis]

Well, dude, this was fun. This was awesome. I can't do it for four and a half hours.

[Brian Ortega]

I had no idea either, so I looked at the time.

[Thomas Yolis]

It just flew by.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

Did I hear you got merch coming out?

[Brian Ortega]

I have merch.

[Thomas Yolis]

Where can I get it?

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, that's the thing, man. What? I just don't know what to do with it. I'm sitting, like, on a lot of money's worth of merch that I made website just for fun, because it was like, well, I don't want to start, like, a clothing brand or nothing. It's like, that's. That's a department that's way out of my league when it comes to. Because I used to run my own clothing brand, and we made it good. But then, like I said, when I fell off with that guy, so did my. My cuts. My. My. My ties with that brand.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, okay.

[Brian Ortega]

So. But. But I grew it. Made it to what it was. Made a lot of money, was kicked, kicked it off, but then dipped. And then instead of staying with me as a partner on it, you know, the. The. The anger got the best, you know, of that situation. And I said, hey, man, without me, like, it's gonna. It's gonna take a hit. And it took a hit. So I was like, it is what it is. Yeah, it is what it is. But ever since then, I had. The whole thing was like, do I really want to, like, redo that again?

[Thomas Yolis]

I get what you say, but if you already made it because it took.

[Brian Ortega]

Five years to get it off the.

[Thomas Yolis]

Ground, bro, I feel I have a clothing company. I've been doing it for 11 years. We just got in Izumi's last year.

[Brian Ortega]

It takes four. Takes you five years just to get it off the ground, and then another five years to figure, and then it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Then now it works, and then once.

[Brian Ortega]

It'S, like, up and running and it's making money, and you're just like, all right, I figured everything out. That's where I was. So I invested, like, 10 years of my life into it. So then when it stopped, I was like, I'm not doing this again, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'll give you a positive outlook. Back then, you were starting from ground one and 10 years younger. Now more people know who you are. You've made the mistakes and, you know, the experience. And you just need to start your website.

[Brian Ortega]

I have the website. I have. Oh, bro, I have everything.

[Thomas Yolis]

Did you do.

[Brian Ortega]

I just. I just haven't done it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Well, you're looking at a webmaster over here. All right. I have a clothing company. I do YouTube. Like, whenever you need some help doing any, literally any of the new ventures.

[Marty O'Neill]

You'Re in love to help you.

[Thomas Yolis]

We're. We're here. All right, Well, I do YouTube on the other end. That's what I have the biggest. We did YouTube in the world.

[Brian Ortega]

I just started fun as. I just started YouTube, bro. Like. Like when you start. You saw that. Literally, me and the guys, me and Steven and Junior, we just started it. Yeah, because he's like, bro, there it is. Because they're like, bro, we film you for, like, other things. Like, I'll hit him up. I'm like, hey, bro, like, I got something for DraftKings that I gotta do. Like a video for or I have something for sweet sweater or whatever. Or, you know, what content, you know, come over here so we can do this. But they're like, dog, you know, if you like, vlog or just did this, like, it's like the things that you do. He's like, to you, you're my. You're over it. But he's like, dog, take it from me. He's like, I'm like, holy. Like, you're over here skating with this guy. You're over here doing that. You're over here surfing with Kelly Slater. Like, you're over here doing all this.

[Thomas Yolis]

Jesus Christ.

[Brian Ortega]

He's like. And I'm the kind of guy where I'm like, just. I don't even want to take a photo with homeboy. Like, Like, I had celebrities or people like that.

[Thomas Yolis]

I know that no one knows I know him because we never took a picture. Because why would I. Yeah, I feel you. I'm the same way.

[Brian Ortega]

Even when we took a photo, I'm like, bro, I'll never even share it.

[Thomas Yolis]

I feel you, dude.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, we just had a great time, but that's it.

[Thomas Yolis]

If there's a picture that's taken of.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, dope ass things that I would love to post, but I'm like, I'm.

[Thomas Yolis]

Not a content guy.

[Brian Ortega]

But I also do like the fact that it's like, hey, dog, if you ever roll with me, like, you know what we do is between us. Yeah, there is that. That. Like that. I guess the mark of honor that I have where it's like, it don't matter what we do, bro. Nothing will ever Go up online, nothing like that. And I got things that. That will probably ruin a lot of us. And like, delete. Whatever could ruin. Delete. Don't exist. Re. Delete. And it's like, I just keep the good things from it. Like, hey, everyone was trashed or whatever, so. Or whatever it was the situation, you know, we have all this stuff. But, like, I ain't built like that, bro. Like, it ain't even me. Because I know. I know. Not that to not say you. But I always say I could do when I think of young people. That's why. But that's gold for them, bro. They can't wait to get their hands on something like that to. To reshare it. Like, I had videos that I had to tell homies, like, hey, dog, delete it now. It was like me getting, like, gaffled up by the cops and getting, like, thrown, you know, when I was even in the ufc, you know, like, I was. They tried throwing me in jail for dumb reasons, whatever. And I was like, hey, bro, this quint goes out right now. This. Delete it. Why'd you even film? Yeah, so I get pissed off at that. So I just gotta learn the balance there.

[Thomas Yolis]

The balance is this. Both you guys are going into this knowing, like, what we do is cool. We should film it for content because people would love to see that. And it's more about this. Who are you a fan of? When you're a kid, if you can see the bts and like, oh, that's what they're doing in the day. You be on it, bro.

[Marty O'Neill]

Exactly.

[Thomas Yolis]

Brett Far. But if Brett Far had a vlog when I was a kid, I would have been all over that.

[Brian Ortega]

What you say about them?

[Thomas Yolis]

He's a bastard. He dissed the out of me. And I don't like Brett Favre anymore. Dissed me when I was a child. I'll never forget it. He's a. I waited for three hours in the rain.

[Brian Ortega]

You know what? Oh, you had some stand, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

I was. No, it was outside. It was outside the game, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

Nicole in the R.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, I was a. I was a child. And he just. He could have just went, no, bro. He walked from the locker room 80 yards, didn't look at at us. The two ladies were. Had a song. The two old women had a song they made up. I was in a cheese head. I had his out you, bruh.

[Brian Ortega]

Let me shed some light. Let me shed some light. Curiosity over judgment.

[Thomas Yolis]

He was on pills and he was mad at the time. That's the bill era of Brett Favre. I get it.

[Brian Ortega]

Curiosity over judgment. He don't even remember that.

[Thomas Yolis]

Of course he won't. Why would he? I remember that little fat brown boy.

[Brian Ortega]

I didn't say that's what I'm saying. So. So if you don't remember it, you shouldn't even take it to. To. To, you know, hey, forgive forgiveness and have grace.

[Thomas Yolis]

I get it. Remember Nacho Libre? That big guy pushed him. He remembered that.

[Brian Ortega]

You know, one thing I'm learning about forgiveness? You gotta forgive 77 times 7.

[Thomas Yolis]

Why?

[Brian Ortega]

I don't know, but that's what the word says.

[Thomas Yolis]

77 times 7, and then you're done forgiving, and you're good.

[Brian Ortega]

Or like, each time, I. I believe. What he means by that is forgiveness is. Is a always thing.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah. I mean, he don't remember. I get that. I just hold him hard, but that makes me mad.

[Brian Ortega]

But that's what I'm saying, bro. The fact that a random man that never makes you. Has control over your emotions.

[Thomas Yolis]

Random is pretty far. I was nine, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

And you know what? And I feel that way, too, which I always try to be cool with everything. I even had one situation one time, and I'll never forget, because it was the only one situation, and I had to make it right with. With homeboy on the Internet, because I was. It was one night, and I still remember why I. I was not having it, bro. Like, when I tell you, like, there's very few things that can get me out of my character or get me to even get out of my. Who I am and. And get me there. I was there. So I dipped out of. Of a UFC event. I was pissed off. Like, I left. I went through the back, whatever. Like, when no one could see me, sure enough, there's a man and his kid there. Like, Brian. Brian. I was like, you know, I ain't in the mood, man. Like, I'm sorry, but I even said, I'm sorry, but I ain't in the mood, man.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's different. You acknowledged him.

[Brian Ortega]

He was like, bro. I was like, hey, like, I ain't in the mood. And I just ignored him. Knowing people, like. Like, with the story you just said and me being one of them, like, having people like. Like that you look up to walk away like you don't even exist or whatever. Even acknowledge the fact just. It bothers you a little bit. You know, when I was a kid, yeah, for sure. Some people did that to me that I know. And then they end up taking photos of me now. And it's just like, okay, be. Be humble.

[Thomas Yolis]

I still take that pig.

[Brian Ortega]

Being humble will be better.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yep, exactly.

[Brian Ortega]

But then he hit me up on the Internet a lot, bro. Like on Twitter or X now he's like, come on, whatever we share. He's like, don't forget. Like, basically always remind me. And I hit him back. I was like, hey, bro, check this out. Like, I was in a dark place, and I actually, I do remember you. I even told me it was in the back of this building, whatever. And I was crossing the street and it was in this location, whatever. And he was like, oh, damn. I said, don't think I'm someone who forgets that. That I said. But like I told you that day, I said, I just wasn't having. Man, My apologies. But he was super cool about that. Said, you know what? Send me your size or whatever. Like, I'll shoot you and your kids. Something my fault for sure, dude. But.

[Thomas Yolis]

But yeah, I. I can get that. Like, not right now, but a lot.

[Brian Ortega]

Of people are not like that, right? Just like, which my mom taught me, my dad taught me to be like that. Always try to make your things right.

[Thomas Yolis]

You have to stop. And. Well, that's what scared me to death. Like, I'll never do that to anybody. I've been rushing the airport, about to play my flight. Hey, what's up? Like some home alone. Like, I don't care. I have to Brett far accountability. I can't be mad at him doing it and then me.

[Brian Ortega]

Let's tag him and, you know, let's see if we can.

[Thomas Yolis]

He steals from welfare now. I don't care about Brett Favre anymore.

[Brian Ortega]

All right? Never mind.

[Thomas Yolis]

He stole from the Mississippi welfare department.

[Marty O'Neill]

It's a recurring thing.

[Thomas Yolis]

I know. It's so sad, dude. I'm just kidding. I still have all his cars, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

I'll train you and I. And I'll lock you guys in a room. How about that?

[Thomas Yolis]

He's going to have 501 Levi jeans. Like all the commercials.

[Brian Ortega]

That's my favorite.

[Thomas Yolis]

You know, he's the sponsor for Levi. I come out my tractor.

[Brian Ortega]

That's the neighborhood too, dog.

[Thomas Yolis]

501 black t shirt, but not when they fit.

[Brian Ortega]

Well, I have 501s. Tell me why. I was. I was going to come over here with my 501s, and my chick's like, really? Brian Jeans? And I had. And I had a pro club. She's like, oh, damn. You know what she told me? She was like, brian. She's like, you know you're a professional, right? She's like, what are you doing? I was like, well, you want to dress me? Then I was like, these things are too tight.

[Thomas Yolis]

Here's a God shirt. God is. Put this on instead.

[Brian Ortega]

But I love.

[Thomas Yolis]

But.

[Brian Ortega]

But I work out in this.

[Thomas Yolis]

It's just funny. Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So she's like, then do this. Do this.

[Thomas Yolis]

And I was like, well, your 501's dark gray.

[Brian Ortega]

They're. They're dark, all black.

[Thomas Yolis]

Okay, I'll say It's either dark gray or like, my brother. I was like, reminds me, my brother Martin wearing 501s and fighting everybody. And then I just brought up 500 ones. My favorite jeans, man, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

And the five 11s. They're the only ones that I went to. Like, okay, they're different. They're a little bit more slimmer. They're the ones that made me feel like, okay, you're not wearing the.

[Thomas Yolis]

The hood ones.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, the hood. The hood uniform. Right?

[Thomas Yolis]

If you can put both your arms in the front of your pants like this, they're just too big. You know what I'm saying? Like, damn. What's up?

[Brian Ortega]

That's why I like the new style that's coming out, because it's going back to baggy. I was like, let's go.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, the skater pants are coming back.

[Brian Ortega]

Hell, yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Parachute pants are coming too.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. Hey, everyone's. That's what. That's what the style is now.

[Thomas Yolis]

Every 20 years comes back.

[Brian Ortega]

And I was like, so I was in style all this time, like, just held out. Because I remember when I went up to the, like, skinny jeans, everyone was like, even the homie neighborhood's like, hey, really, dog?

[Thomas Yolis]

Where's your gun going?

[Brian Ortega]

Like, you're a sellout, dog. You're a sellout, homie. Hell yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

I don't like the way you dress.

[Brian Ortega]

500 ones, like, baggy clothes to, like. Like, hey, bro, I. I remember I still made even, like, something I was gonna share one time. I still have it in my. In my head. I try to remember. I said, I go from 501s to designer jeans. Like, I still better look. I still look better than all you folks or something like that. Like, basically like, hey, dog, like, shut up. Chill out. I'll wear what I want to wear. You know? Like, I still look better than you for, like, chill out. But. But that was. It was just all eagle, you know?

[Thomas Yolis]

But try to make yourself feel better. Like, I know they're tired. I can see my dick print. But it's all good, dog. It's a style girls like this.

[Brian Ortega]

Hey, for real. For they like the camel tail, right?

[Thomas Yolis]

I never heard that in my life.

[Brian Ortega]

They have camel to camel tail.

[Thomas Yolis]

Camel tail.

[Brian Ortega]

So much more sense, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

It makes so much more sense here in cameltale.

[Marty O'Neill]

Anatomically speaking.

[Brian Ortega]

It's that I. I used to. My chick. My chick checked me on that.

[Thomas Yolis]

Hey, by the way, I can see your whole ass, dog. Stop.

[Brian Ortega]

I do. She's like, I can see the imprint. I was like, all right, say no more. She's like, go, go, go looser. But not Brian loose. I was like, all right, Bet that.

[Thomas Yolis]

Sounds like a crazy. Go loser. But not Brian loose. That sounds crazy, dude.

[Brian Ortega]

Like this dog.

[Thomas Yolis]

42S. I was wearing 42s. Levi.

[Brian Ortega]

36 is 36.

[Thomas Yolis]

Damn. You're like a what, 28?

[Brian Ortega]

30, 36, 34.

[Marty O'Neill]

Damn. That's what I was wearing.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Marty O'Neill]

36, 34.

[Thomas Yolis]

I wore that because that's how much I needed, bro. But in reality.

[Brian Ortega]

But in reality, I'm a 30, 32.

[Thomas Yolis]

See what I'm saying? Now my brother's wearing like 40s. He is about 140 pounds. So I see it. It's so you can put. I see some old down your pants, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

I remember one time, my homie Richard, that's. That's the first time I went in because we put an AK through. Through his pants.

[Thomas Yolis]

You see what I'm saying? You can always carry stuff. Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Or you're not ak. It was a mini. Little mini chopper. A little twin too. But still we got caught outside of party like that.

[Thomas Yolis]

But isn't that crazy thinking like we.

[Brian Ortega]

Could put a whole ass. Yeah, that.

[Thomas Yolis]

It's like, yo, what's my child doing? Oh, he has an assault rifle in his pants. Damn, dude, That's a. It's such a crazy thought. Think of your kid right now. They're running a legal fight club. Or like, damn, this flight of AK in his pants.

[Brian Ortega]

That was all reliable. Hey, that thing had duct tape everything that. I don't know what that thing was, but it was a little. But 22.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, the automatic.

[Brian Ortega]

Right? It did what it did.

[Thomas Yolis]

It made a bunch of. Ow. That hurt. I'm not gonna die. But damn, that hurt.

[Brian Ortega]

No, I'm just kidding.

[Thomas Yolis]

No. 22s are.

[Brian Ortega]

They're deadly. Give you a zipper for sure.

[Thomas Yolis]

All right, well, we won't go into my other 22 story from Bob, but I have.

[Brian Ortega]

You got a zipper too?

[Thomas Yolis]

Hell no. Oh, I'm wearing. I'm wearing a. Oh, all right.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh, no, you're good. All right.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'm not wearing jeans. No, I know what you're saying, no, my mom would beat my ass.

[Brian Ortega]

I know how hood you were in it.

[Thomas Yolis]

You know, everyone else, like Thomas, leave him alone. He sells weed. Like, yeah, that's true. And then they all shot at each other. Yeah, I'm fine. Everybody knows, like, he's just a little whitewashed Mexican kid. That's good weed.

[Brian Ortega]

But, yeah, do that for a long way.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. If you need weed, keep him a lot. Keep him around. He has the fire from Humboldt. Like, that was my play.

[Brian Ortega]

Both sides, I'm sure.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. Mike, look at him. He can pass you. Was it use me? Exactly.

[Brian Ortega]

It might be white on the outside.

[Thomas Yolis]

But I'm brown on the inside. Literally, my first time I went up on stage, I was. I'm like Miklo, but like, I'm. I'm white on the inside and brown on the outside. That's literally my opening line. At the. No, I'm like Miko, but, you know, I'm brown on the inside. That's literally my opening line.

[Brian Ortega]

I gotta check that out. Was anyone recorded? It was.

[Thomas Yolis]

I haven't put it out yet.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh, all right. All right.

[Thomas Yolis]

But I have it. Yeah. That's funny as. That's my. As an opening line.

[Brian Ortega]

That's dope. All right. A lot of people get it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh. All the older dudes chuckled and went, all right, all right.

[Brian Ortega]

He's cool. He's cool.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like that old man. The ugly laugh in the front. That was the funny laugh.

[Brian Ortega]

They gave you the pass. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

You know, whenever you have the big mustache, like, you laughed. Yeah. Well, dude, thank you for being here. What's your YouTube?

[Brian Ortega]

I don't even know.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'll pop it.

[Brian Ortega]

These. Brian T. City.

[Thomas Yolis]

Brian.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm new. I'm not Brandon. No, I got you. I think everything's Brian T. City.

[Thomas Yolis]

Boom. On the screen.

[Brian Ortega]

Everything. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

And in the description.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. Tick tock. I got a tick tock. Because it said, you know, that's a new thing. But, yeah, I don't really use it, but I gotta use it.

[Thomas Yolis]

You know what you do? You have people make it for you. Like, people make that content and go.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, I'm literally talking to someone about signing that. So. So they can take over that, please. But there's something that felt like where I had a conversation. We've got to put it in the language where it's like, hey, bro. Like, when it comes to certain things, you could. You could post it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Don't make me look goofy, basically.

[Brian Ortega]

No, no. Like, work things. Post it. But personal things. Like, it's still me.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

You do that it's still me, bro. Like, you guys, like, don't post a.

[Thomas Yolis]

Picture of your kids. Like, love my kids. How weird would that be?

[Brian Ortega]

But, like, you guys like a lot of people that follow me. What you see is what you get with me, right? You talking to me like this right now. Me talking to you, it's the same thing. I'll be with anyone if you come at me correct. Which is why I told you in the beginning, as you treat me with respect, I just. With respect. After that, it's all good. I'm like that with everyone. That's why people trip out. They're like, oh, you're the same. I said, yeah, bro. Like, what you see is what you get. Like, a lot of people, a lot of people in there, their characters, they develop some sort of whatever, some stick or something, right? That's cool. You know, to each his own. But for me, this is how I am. So if I was to do that on social media and. And use it more, as our people say, it's. It's a business, a platform. It's. This is that. But then you. You take away the humanity of it, right? The human side, which is, why do you. A lot of people, like, why do you. Why do you with me? Because you see me, I'm like you. I just have the job that you like to watch. So if I was to change all that, it changes everything. And then I'm still unsure of how that looks like.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, that's what I said earlier about people want to see what you're doing, man. As a fan, I would love to see. That's what I meant. Like, I'm like you. I just have this job. You work construction, but you like ufc. And I like people that build. Yeah, I like you, man.

[Brian Ortega]

That's how it is.

[Thomas Yolis]

It's a rare moment. You're all. Get the. Away from me. I've met a head full of people in my adult life. I'm like, you know, because I don't put myself in the positions to meet shitty people. People. I ain't going to bars. Am I going to night. I don't want to be around drunk fool. I don't want to be. I'll be home.

[Brian Ortega]

I just told myself I want to go to a bar again.

[Thomas Yolis]

I told my wife that recently, actually, we should go to a bar. Just me and you have a driver. Driver, car.

[Brian Ortega]

It's been so long since I've been out.

[Thomas Yolis]

Probably like eight years maybe for me.

[Brian Ortega]

Damn. All right.

[Thomas Yolis]

I don't do. Dude, nobody don't do anything, you know, Like, I'm constantly. I. I don't like being out. I can tell Marty I'm afraid if I meet someone new in the rude, I want to punch him in the mouth. And I don't want to be mad. And people are rude as. And for some reason, I have a face to be rude to. Like, I'm always like, hey, what's up, man? And people are rude as to be. And I'm nice, but I don't want to be mad. You know what I'm saying? Like, I don't want to let somebody get me pissed.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, I got you.

[Thomas Yolis]

And it ruins my night. Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

That's why I stopped going out.

[Thomas Yolis]

See? Exactly, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

Because people don't. It's crazy. Some people don't know who I am, and then I'm the guy that you look like, like that. I'm the pretty boy or whatever you want to look at me that's out there that you want to make your name off of. Because I look like you could beat my ass. I look every part of, like, I'm a that fool. Like, when you walk by, like, Spanish.

[Thomas Yolis]

Blue eyes, I'll smack this out of.

[Brian Ortega]

That's that, you know?

[Thomas Yolis]

Do people try to with you because you're a fighter?

[Brian Ortega]

I don't know. What? Why?

[Thomas Yolis]

Okay.

[Brian Ortega]

I still don't know. So far. The people that know what's up, like, they'll take their chances in groups that they know what I'm about.

[Thomas Yolis]

People talk to you? Yeah. In public.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh, yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

For what, though?

[Brian Ortega]

I don't know.

[Marty O'Neill]

It probably makes people just insecure.

[Brian Ortega]

I told you. I probably look bigger in tv. And then when you see me, you're like, I could this world.

[Thomas Yolis]

What a mean guy to go. You know what? I want to fight you Or. Or shitty person or.

[Brian Ortega]

They genuinely don't know anything.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

And they're like, dog, this food right here is, like, having a good time talking, you know, back in the day, right? Talking to chicks, whatever, doing, staying. Like, I could see it. They're haters, right?

[Thomas Yolis]

That's the only explanation.

[Brian Ortega]

I was having good time. So they're haters. That's the way I. I boiled it down to, like, you're a hater fool. Because you're just bitter that I'm having a good time here. You're not.

[Thomas Yolis]

Every time I've been a bar and I see some full pool girls and having fun, I'm like, that guy's a man. All right, I'm gonna go. Like, it's time for me to leave. But damn, that guy's tight. I've never once been like, I don't think I have it in my bone in my body to go, ugh. At some dope. Of course, that's different.

[Brian Ortega]

But, yeah, I can't. Yeah, damn.

[Thomas Yolis]

I wouldn't.

[Brian Ortega]

But I see. I see why we don't go. Like, why you don't go. I actually did that. Not that, like, that's the last time I went out. Went out 30 seconds and I hit someone and I left. And I literally told the homie, I said, this is why I don't go out, bro. I literally told him. He's like, hey, bro, come on, let's go shoot pool. Blah, blah. Let's go to this bar, say, hey, food, check this out. I don't want to go. He's like, ah, come on. It's like, he's that word a dick fool a lot.

[Thomas Yolis]

He's like, oh, so next to this. Come on, dick.

[Brian Ortega]

He's like, come on, dick. I was like, hey, bro. I was like, like, all right, let's go out. You're right. And like, literally in the parking lot, like, hey, for some go down, just do me a favor. Like, Well, I was like, you mind your lane. I'm on mine. I said, unless, like, I look at you to give me, like, like, the what's up? Then. Then. Then you could jump in and I'll. That's what I told him. Literally in the parking lot, walking inside. I walk inside, the first thing someone says is some weird. I said, what's up? Well, I'm like, all right, let's go talk outside. Walking in. So I talk outside with them. I thought I full puppy's chest down when you talking to me, homie. Because he was.

[Thomas Yolis]

He got pissed.

[Brian Ortega]

Because I'm not stupid, man. I know how people work.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'm just saying the way you.

[Brian Ortega]

But he's outside. He's outside talking to me like this. But he. He's saying, normal conversation. But he's looking like. Like he's trying to say something.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Because I know his homies are in there, you know, so shouldn't I say, well, put your chest down. We talked to him like that. Like, hey, chill out. Hey. And he didn't. So I just cracked that phone. I said, what's up? And after that, his homie jumped down. So, what's up? YouTube. Like, both of you can get it. And then they're like, no, no, no. I was like, all right, cool. Security was there. I said, hey, I did what I gotta do. Like, ain't no one gonna jump. We went back in, played pool, and then that fool was, like, in the bar, just like.

[Thomas Yolis]

He stayed.

[Brian Ortega]

Hell, yeah. That's weird. He got on his phone.

[Thomas Yolis]

That's the weirdest I ever.

[Brian Ortega]

He got on his phone.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'd have been worried to intimidate you. I'm saying that's what most people do. Like, but if I fought somebody, a normal human, I'm like, time to go. Why are you on the phone for? Unless you're calling your doctor.

[Brian Ortega]

But to me, go ahead, call him.

[Thomas Yolis]

You're different. Human.

[Brian Ortega]

No, no, no. But it's not even that. But put it this way. And it's. It's a route that I. That I never liked and I. And I'll never like, but it does bring me, like, a little bit of peace, if you get me. That's cool. You got me. My time's up. You know, you close. You close the chapter on my book, but you're just coming. I got a lot of love from a lot of people in a lot of dark places. And. And that's not even to say I have any ties.

[Thomas Yolis]

I just.

[Brian Ortega]

I. I just know them and I've seen them, and I. I know the. The distance they're willing to go for me without me ever having to say a word.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

So you don't have to worry about me, my family, my loved ones, like my kid. And no one's going to come after you. It's these guys that you got to worry about. And once they find that out, because word gets them out real quick. Hey, it's on you, man. That's on you.

[Thomas Yolis]

I feel it. I'm just gonna go home, though. Did you say, like, so, like, I'm just gonna.

[Brian Ortega]

But, but, but you know, in all reality, like who? Like, a lot of people ain't about it, so.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, no, they're not.

[Brian Ortega]

So. That's another part.

[Thomas Yolis]

They're definitely not melting off and getting socked at the bar.

[Brian Ortega]

I'll tell you what.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'll tell you that I would have.

[Brian Ortega]

Found out real quick if he was about it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. Yeah. He would have swung back the second I popped him.

[Brian Ortega]

Give you a little jab, like a little. Shut up, you. I would have gotten all the things, you know what I'm saying? So I'm not stupid either. How worked.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, no, there's a vibe, too.

[Brian Ortega]

There's people that. The second they walk in the room, I avoid them at all costs. I already know what you're about. I can feel it, bro. I've been around People like you. Yeah, you're. I'ma stay away from you. If anything, I want out, because somebody in here tonight is going to get it, and I don't even want to witness it. And sure enough, I'm right.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, I leave or whatever.

[Brian Ortega]

I leave, you know, whatever. And someone. Hey, did you hear about that? I was like, let me guess this. He's like, yeah, I fool with this. He goes, all right. Knew it.

[Thomas Yolis]

There's a certain.

[Brian Ortega]

He walked in there. I know.

[Marty O'Neill]

With that aura.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah. You just. You see it, you know, if you know how to look for. If you know how to see it, you see it.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah. Yeah. It's a fool's. My phone's gonna steal from me. I'm out of here. That's the vibe I get. Like, I know a thief. I know a tweaking. I. I've been around it all, and, like, the. The murderous are the ones I've never. I don't know that well, because I leave.

[Brian Ortega]

I've seen them for my whole life. So that's what I'm saying. That's the first one. I don't care about anybody else. The fighters, the stabbers, whatever. I could. I've been through that. It's. It's the killers where it's, like, the toughest, man.

[Thomas Yolis]

I don't care about getting stuff like.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh, no, I never said that.

[Thomas Yolis]

I know. Because I don't care about the damage.

[Brian Ortega]

As in terms of. That's not why I'm gonna leave.

[Thomas Yolis]

I get it.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm saying, like, I know how to stay away from you. It's. It's those certain individuals. They're very. They're just. They're unpredictable. All you got to know is someone's life is ending and it's just at random. And if you happen to cross hairs with him, it's over. So that's why I'm like, I value life, man. Nor do I have anything personally against you. So, like, I'm chilling. Like, let's go check out that other place up the street.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like, that place got some video games. It might just be Simpsons over and over again.

[Brian Ortega]

But the crazy part is, like, nine times out of 10, when we cross paths, they say, what's up to me? And we end up talking.

[Thomas Yolis]

Because they're fans of you, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

They're cool.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, they're cool.

[Brian Ortega]

But even before. Before that, like, they're just like, you know, like, I'm like, I'm glad I'm on your side, basically. It's like, when goes down for, like, remember These eyes, the blue.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, they'll never forget the Mexican with the blue eyes.

[Brian Ortega]

Just don't take this for like. And this is my homie. Like, just us too, though. We good. Everybody else will watch. I don't even tell anyone when the cops come through. I don't even know what you look like. I got you, but just leave us alone. But, yeah, you get. You get certain wisdom and, you know, of course get certain wisdom to how to be and where to be.

[Thomas Yolis]

My thing was just like, let's go home, bro. So I get what you're saying, but, yeah, if you can recognize. I feel bad for you because that means you've been around too much your whole life. And, you know, I mean, like, that sucks, but also, you need one of those fools in your group.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

At all times. Even if you're at Applebee's, you do. Happens all the time, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

Trust me, it does.

[Thomas Yolis]

All right, so I walk away now. Yeah, we'll give you 30 seconds in there, man. I had to told him this is why I don't go out.

[Brian Ortega]

No, but that was like two years ago.

[Thomas Yolis]

I know, but just the way you say is just, like, it's normal to you when you hear it from other.

[Brian Ortega]

Places, you know, Bro, the place he picked everything already knows what kind of places. That's a pool hall. That's a rowdy place. Yeah, it's a rowdy place.

[Thomas Yolis]

Why would he take you there?

[Brian Ortega]

I don't know, dog.

[Thomas Yolis]

Take you to the Dave and Busters, bro.

[Brian Ortega]

I told him, I said, bro, like, you want to play games or pool? Like, I'll buy a pool table for the house because he was staying with me. I was like, I'll buy us a pool table for the house to just stay like. I was like, I'm all about, let's be indoors, bro. Cuz like you said, when you live a life of chaos and you finally find peace, I'm not trying to go back out there. I. I like peace. But then when you get like, hey, man, come on, let's go, let's go. You're like, you bench. You're like, all right, bro, let's. Let's go. You're going through some. I'm going through some pool. Pool, yeah. All right.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'm down a shitty game on the sand that every pool hall has. I can't play that game. It sucks. So when you throw the little.

[Brian Ortega]

That's a nice bar.

[Thomas Yolis]

It's at the dive bar. It's just. It's a piece of wood with sand. You throw a Ball. And it has to stop before it falls. I don't know if it's a real game or they just made the.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh, I know what you're talking about.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, that thing.

[Brian Ortega]

It never looks good, but that thing. I've seen one one time.

[Thomas Yolis]

Okay. Yeah, we have one of those at our little.

[Brian Ortega]

I don't know. I don't know how to work.

[Thomas Yolis]

I just throw that until we're ready to leave the bar. I never want to go to the bars.

[Brian Ortega]

I play like marbles a little much. I hit their up.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, I love marbles. I'll go to a bar if we can play marbles. And there's a poison. I'll play that all day.

[Brian Ortega]

You played marbles?

[Thomas Yolis]

When I was a kid. All the Asian kids hate.

[Brian Ortega]

What about the pugs?

[Thomas Yolis]

Pogs. You know I play with pogs. Slammers. I'll slam the. Out of your deck.

[Brian Ortega]

Dude, were you good at marble?

[Thomas Yolis]

I was with a. As I said, all the Asian kids hating me because they could do the spider. But I'll distance her out. How?

[Brian Ortega]

Long distance with the marble?

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, it's called. It's like this. Two spiders. It means as big as your hand and you can shoot from that distance. Spiders jump shot. There's. All the Asian kids had a hell of gig. They had hella rules. And they. I. I just.

[Brian Ortega]

Always a sniper with that. You got this?

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, I was. This. Yeah, I'm good with this one.

[Brian Ortega]

I don't know how you hold it like that. Yeah, I used to put it right here.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Aim it. I was a sniper with it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, dude, I had the. You know the train beads at the train tracks. The big ass beads. My ghetto ass stepdad got me a bucket of those. And I was.

[Brian Ortega]

The beads are like the.

[Thomas Yolis]

The. Like the. The pieces of metal.

[Brian Ortega]

Bearings. The bearings. Oh, sorry.

[Thomas Yolis]

Because he had small ones too, but I was cracking anyway. Yeah, no, my stepdad's a. He was a tweaker, man. He found a bunch of stuff.

[Brian Ortega]

Got some mud on it or.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, I cleaned them. They were rusted. I'm not even kidding. I kept them in a Kool Aid. The Kool Aid bucket. I ripped the label off and put them in a Kool Aid bucket.

[Brian Ortega]

Bearings were good for sleep.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, you could break fools. The big ones. I would break them in half on fools. You win. You can't shoot a broken marble.

[Brian Ortega]

How. Are you familiar with. Are you familiar with Mexico?

[Thomas Yolis]

The country? Yeah, I'm just kidding. Yeah, of course.

[Brian Ortega]

Like growing up over there.

[Thomas Yolis]

Hell no.

[Brian Ortega]

No.

[Thomas Yolis]

My whole family. I'm the only one in my family.

[Brian Ortega]

That doesn't speak Spanish. Did you ever play with trompos?

[Thomas Yolis]

What's it look like?

[Brian Ortega]

It's like a little. It's like this big, has a middle tip. You tie a string around it. Oh, you throw it.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, I've seen that.

[Brian Ortega]

Have you played with them?

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, no, I played it once. It was just too hard as a kid.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh, okay.

[Thomas Yolis]

That shit's. It's kind of like the. You're talking about the thing that spins.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, like the.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like the Mexicans version of a Jewish dreidel. Except it has a point.

[Marty O'Neill]

All this is in squid games. We're watching squid games.

[Brian Ortega]

All these games, they're like. They're like back in the day, Beyblades.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, I bought him the beyblade thing when he was a kid.

[Brian Ortega]

They're like, back in the track, and.

[Thomas Yolis]

They smack each other, right? So you go out of the circle.

[Brian Ortega]

So what we do is in Mexico, we go in there, and then you tie the string.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

And then you roll yours, and then you got. And the. You. You have it. So some of them, obviously, the ones we play with were like plastic with the metal tips that were heavy in the front. So the goal is like, can I break your. Because you're talking about breaking the marbles, right? Remember, like, you would have to break the thing. But to get that, you had to be, like, precise with it.

[Thomas Yolis]

I've seen them stack. You see that? Where they get on the one on the other. Oh, have you seen that? Those fools are so close.

[Brian Ortega]

But the ones that I'm talking about, they have, like, the little tip. It has a little. Like, a little circle tip. You can't stack it other than that, because the second you smack it, it, it's over. Oh, yeah, these kids, yeah, they taught me how to be something else over there.

[Thomas Yolis]

Damn, they got cool. They got squid.

[Brian Ortega]

Because the crazy part, I learned a bunch of ghetto stuff from the project, and then I learned a lot of stuff from Mexico. So then when I go back to Torrance, teach them. I would just, like, emulate everything. And everyone was like, who's this kid, like, causing, like, havoc here? Because there's, like. They got, like, the gangsters and everything like that. They're doing their thing. But the kids, when I walked in there, either. Harmless. I got them all to start doing things. Ramps, like. I mean, you name it, bro. Like, tree houses.

[Thomas Yolis]

Fun kid things.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, but at the time, like, if I walk up in the corner tree and I built a treehouse in there, you're like, The.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

And it's made out of trash.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, I'd find wood, I'd find this. I found that. Like, I'd get mattresses and, like, drag them from wherever all the way back home, and then, like, jump off the roof of. Well, my dad's like, where'd you find that match? Like, I found it, like, way over there. Like, did you wash it? Like, no.

[Thomas Yolis]

No.

[Brian Ortega]

It's like, why'd you watch it?

[Thomas Yolis]

You're just gonna do flips on it.

[Brian Ortega]

He's like, dude, you're nasty.

[Thomas Yolis]

I was Jeff Hardy on the mattresses. I would do the Swanton bomb over the time, bro. Up in the tree from my grandma graces.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm telling you, it was dope, man.

[Thomas Yolis]

Dude, kids can have fun with, like, stuff that crackheads have, right? Like, yo, you got a bucket?

[Brian Ortega]

I always did, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

See, I got a bucket of tires.

[Brian Ortega]

I would steal this.

[Thomas Yolis]

See what I'm saying? He stole a whole man's bedroom.

[Brian Ortega]

We ride our bikes, and you hit, like, the canals or something, and then sure enough, you're just like, that's a good mattress. Hey, hey, hey. You talk to him, and then, like, when that fool's talking to you, I'm going to take all this. All right, all right. Like, all real. Hey, you. Him. I'm like, oh, you. Then you're like. And hey, I took your he. Then you just, like, take off. And then, sure enough, it's like a group effort. And then, like, would you come up on? Like, I don't know. It was just at that time was worth stealing.

[Thomas Yolis]

I guess I was totally kidding about the crackhead stuff. Like, no, I would take their apartment.

[Brian Ortega]

We did his transportation.

[Thomas Yolis]

I have his front tire now.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, oh, but you know what? It sounds evil or it sounds bad kind of funny, but in my head, it was me confronting a fear.

[Thomas Yolis]

What's the fear?

[Brian Ortega]

Them.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, I'm afraid of you.

[Brian Ortega]

But I'm a problem homeless and crackhead scared the out of me.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, the crackers use meth heads.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, when I see them, they're talking to themselves and everything. You're just like, of course.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like, I'm more scared now.

[Brian Ortega]

I was afraid the smell, too. You're just like. And as a kid, like, my dad one time, I remember he took me to skid roll to face that fear. He. And when we went outside, I was like, no, hell, no. I was like, no, no, no, no, no, no. Like, give me back it. Like, traumatized.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah. You're supposed to be scared of that.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'm scared now more Than I was a kid. I know about disease.

[Brian Ortega]

I'll be taking my kids now to the skid rows. Not skid rolls, but like, the little skid rolls around the city or where we're at. I take them around there. I look, do drugs for not even that. I just tell them, like, because they have the same fear. And I was like, listen, bro. Like, they're just like us. Some you could talk to, some you can't. I go in there and like, hey, what's up, man? You guys wants to. I was like. Because at first. You know what? It first started as a bad joke, and then I had to make it right. My. My wife got mad at me.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah.

[Brian Ortega]

My son was giving me attitude, and I pulled over. I was like, I'll give you weighted. Then you know you won't. I was like, hey, what's up, bro? Take my kid, man. He's yours. He's like. He was confused. Myself, like, I was like, well, don't test me. Don't test me. Like, calm down.

[Thomas Yolis]

Did your wife got pissed?

[Brian Ortega]

Hell, yeah, she got pissed. She's like, do you traumatize?

[Thomas Yolis]

I was like, oh, about the situation. I thought she meant pissed. Just like, damn.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm pissed that I did that. So that's why now I take him. And I like, hey, I was. That was a bad joke on my part. But you tested me. Like, you know my egos sometimes. Like, if I tell you don't and you do it, I'm gonna do it.

[Thomas Yolis]

But I bet it worked.

[Brian Ortega]

You know, we'll give them food or whatever, you know, like my. Like, you know, or like a couch. I had, like, a couch.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'll go give it to him.

[Brian Ortega]

I took my brother. I was like, hey, bro, let's go. And one of those. So you guys want couches? Like, cool, man. I got a brand new set. I said, I just didn't use it for the house. Oh, yeah. Hell, yeah, it's brand new. Give them brand new. I gave him a whole living room.

[Thomas Yolis]

I unintentionally did that to some fools close to here.

[Brian Ortega]

I know. Yeah, I know what you mean.

[Thomas Yolis]

I try to give him some calls to us. I'm like, yo, free. Because I had got into it with some homeless dudes recently, and they kept doing to me, and they kept sitting right in front of our building and talking. I can hear him. We're filming. And I was like, man, let me get these couches. Some college students will be gone in the morning. In the morning, these fools had the couches. Like, oh, Man. Now I gave you brand new couches to sit right in front of the. Where I want you gone in the night. I threw it in the dumpster.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh, I was going to say I went back and threw that away one. One time across the street from me for. For a. Ran by like by a church or something. It was like some crazy mess going on. Then my kids were like, blah, blah. And I was like, watch, tomorrow morning it's going to be gone. They paid. No, like, for. I don't think they paid any mind to it. But I went over there and did what I did. Got everyone out of there. And then when I picked him up, this one. I was sharing custody with him. He's like dead. They're gone. He's like, everything's gone. I told you. He's like, wait, what did you do? I was like, I just told you it's gonna be gone. That was it.

[Thomas Yolis]

I stole his mattress dog. What's he gonna do? I had to make a treehouse for you guys there.

[Brian Ortega]

It was done in a civil way. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, I get it.

[Brian Ortega]

Relocation.

[Thomas Yolis]

Let's go over there. I'll give you 30 bucks or I'll punch you. That's the solve. It's an easy soul, dude.

[Brian Ortega]

No, it was.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'm just kidding. I'm talking. I'm talking. I wouldn't. I would definitely give me 20. You would just walk away. Please.

[Brian Ortega]

They'll take your money and come back the next day. They won't even go anywhere.

[Thomas Yolis]

They're like, ah, see? Yeah. Then I'd have to get a. I.

[Brian Ortega]

Got 200 and I'll move your stuff. Let's go. Hurry up. But you get it right in the back. Not in the car. Stink. Like, sorry. I love you but like I don't love you with like still. Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

Skid rows wild. We headed out food in the middle of the night there one time. Not. I didn't know we were going there, but. Yeah, It's a wild place, man. Yeah, it gets. It gets zombie land out there. Okay, let's.

[Brian Ortega]

Let's.

[Thomas Yolis]

No, let's get you out of here. No, I've got. I'm going home get high tonight. I don't give a. Nothing. Yeah, we got another episode after this.

[Brian Ortega]

I'm going to get some steak and run some fortnite.

[Thomas Yolis]

There you go. Well, Brian Ortega, thank you for being here.

[Brian Ortega]

Thank you for having me.

[Thomas Yolis]

This is fun.

[Brian Ortega]

It was cool that I saw your comment to it and then. And. And thanks for reaching out, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, Marty's. Marty's on Our. Thank you.

[Brian Ortega]

Or whoever that was.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah, no, it's. We. We have it. But.

[Brian Ortega]

Okay.

[Thomas Yolis]

It's usually Marty on the D. On the. The DM over there on the Sweet.

[Brian Ortega]

Sweat post that I shared. I seen it and then works. It does.

[Thomas Yolis]

My wife uses that. I used it one time went, oh, I get it. But also like, I felt like, how can I put it on my back? I can't even reach. I don't know.

[Brian Ortega]

I have heard. Do it where they got the.

[Thomas Yolis]

She did. I can't, obviously. I'm like, God, I'm fat. Sweet Sweat. It works.

[Brian Ortega]

Sweet Sweat died in the band.

[Thomas Yolis]

You're good in the band.

[Brian Ortega]

The little. The waist trimmer.

[Thomas Yolis]

What's that?

[Brian Ortega]

Adds more heat.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, yeah, yeah. Sorry. I'm going to work out first before I get the lap band. Jesus Christ. That's got to get the band.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, I'm pretty, bro. Every day, you know, get. Get the. Get the. The weight vest with the. With the band and sweet sway.

[Thomas Yolis]

Just.

[Brian Ortega]

You walk straight.

[Thomas Yolis]

All right. And I need one hour in the morning to myself. And you start doing this. I'll get up and be in a panic mode. Like, oh, I got 80 emails.

[Brian Ortega]

That's how you ruined your day.

[Thomas Yolis]

Instantly. I'm.

[Brian Ortega]

Oh.

[Thomas Yolis]

And I go, what time is it?

[Brian Ortega]

You put your four hours. You put yourself already there every morning. Wake up, give yourself some grace some time. And then when you sip that coffee, that's. That's like, okay, it's go time.

[Thomas Yolis]

Really what he does in the morning. I'm getting there, guys. I'm growing up. Or we'll be there, but wake up.

[Brian Ortega]

Early to be the lazy. The first hour, if that makes sense. You wake up early so the morning you just. You. You're lazy. I play with. Like I said, drink my water, lemon. Play with the dogs, chill.

[Marty O'Neill]

I like to think of it as a party. I'm smoking weed. I got the coffee going.

[Brian Ortega]

There you go. Play some music. Good music. Have a good time.

[Thomas Yolis]

Fun. Actually, Nobody's up at 4:30.

[Brian Ortega]

Headphones.

[Thomas Yolis]

I just bought some. I never wear headphones.

[Brian Ortega]

My homie just bought me some too.

[Thomas Yolis]

He has baller. I didn't know how much fun they were.

[Brian Ortega]

The new ones that, that. That they don't even go in your ear. Have you seen them?

[Thomas Yolis]

No.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, the homie just bought me some.

[Thomas Yolis]

But they don't even go like. Like stay on the outside of your.

[Brian Ortega]

They. They stay.

[Thomas Yolis]

Yeah. I don't wear headphones, dude. I. I think it'd be way more fun. Listen to music.

[Brian Ortega]

The one. The one I told you. That, that he shared the thing with. I told him, shake them sheets, brush your grill. I told emotion kills emotion.

[Marty O'Neill]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

So look, I'd wear that.

[Brian Ortega]

They go. They go.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'd wear that.

[Brian Ortega]

Bone conduction. Huh? They just, they go around you. They don't even go inside. I don't even know what that meant. Right, but, but that's dope in the water, right?

[Thomas Yolis]

What's bone conduction?

[Brian Ortega]

I have no idea. Vibrates against your bone right here. And you can wear it when you serve. And you could hear everything. And you could hear it because. Yeah. You feel it almost. Yeah, yeah. Like, like the, like the Whopper. Whooper. Whatever it's called. Have you seen that?

[Thomas Yolis]

Sounds like a Ben Affleck movie. The bone.

[Brian Ortega]

It's a cool thing. I, I, I, I got a, I got a cool thing from them. When you run, you put it on you and it vibrates with the music. So you can feel the music.

[Marty O'Neill]

That's sick.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, that sounds really tight, actually. Dope. Yeah. And you can do with video games, too. Now.

[Thomas Yolis]

This was doing chin ups and playing Fortnite.

[Brian Ortega]

No, the music is worse.

[Thomas Yolis]

Like, oh, you're playing shot.

[Brian Ortega]

Like, it's. Oh, that's, it's, it's pretty cool, man. Hey, you know what? I'm getting into it.

[Thomas Yolis]

That sounds cool.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah.

[Thomas Yolis]

All right. I have some stuff to do. I have to watch Blood and Blood out with Rocco, give myself an hour, start a children's fight club.

[Brian Ortega]

First off, get my kids for that. I wish I could face home early. I should have.

[Thomas Yolis]

We've talked about my uncle. Uncle. My uncle ran a daycare and he would make all the kids fight each other in Portland.

[Brian Ortega]

My brother just sent my, my little one a message the other day. He's like, look what he sent me. I was literally my little one sleeping, and my brother slapped him in the face. And he's like. And I was like, what a dick. And then like, we have to look at the video. I'm like, dude, you're just a baby. Which means you were like 17. Like, you were child abusing my kids.

[Thomas Yolis]

I used to wake him up by picking him up by one leg, walk into his room, and he'd wake up freaking out. It just made me laugh to wake up upside down, down the hall. I think it's funny. It is.

[Brian Ortega]

We have a different version of funny.

[Thomas Yolis]

It's hilarious to me, but. All right, we'll get out of here. Thank you so much for being here. I appreciate it. This was fun. Link in the description. We got to get your Mer, you got to get that. Just get.

[Brian Ortega]

You know what? I'll reach out to you, to you guys after, and maybe you can say.

[Thomas Yolis]

You know, exactly that, and your YouTube.

[Brian Ortega]

Will be linked, because I took a thing where I got all, like, I got the you. I set everything up, the website, YouTube merch. So I dove deep into that. But then when they call me, everything doesn't exist anymore. Yeah, I'm. I'm. I have my blinders on, and all that matters is eat, sleep, and drain for sure.

[Thomas Yolis]

You know what you do? Get somebody else on that drop shipper. I can introduce. Literally introduce you to somebody that'll do that for you. All right, Marty, this was fun. Hell, yeah. Brian, thank you very much. Nice to meet you.

[Brian Ortega]

Dude, that's a dope one. I have my same cross right there.

[Thomas Yolis]

You just saw it.

[Brian Ortega]

That's the recent one. I just. I just realized the cross.

[Thomas Yolis]

Oh, sorry. It's up here. So I'm like, you didn't see it because.

[Brian Ortega]

Yeah, because of the cross. It's the same necklace.

[Thomas Yolis]

I'm ripped for my family. You're ripped in normal America. What the Is this? What's talking about?

[Brian Ortega]

That's 145 still, bro.

[Thomas Yolis]

All right, thank you so much for being here. I appreciate you. This was fun. All right, so thank you guys so much for being here. From Brian, from Marty and I. This has been the dope as usual podcast. Have a dope ass day. Perfect.

[Brian Ortega]

Perfect.