Brian Ortega Talks Saving UFC 303, 'Makes Me Feel Alive Again'

HIGH LEVEL MATCHUP TMZSports.com

Brian Ortega stepped into the UFC 303 co-main event on two weeks' notice ... and some have called the decision reckless and potentially costly for the MMA star. So, why'd T-City accept the fight? TMZ Sports asked him.

"At this point it just becomes about having fun with my career. Taking the craziest fights now, and this is one of them, right?" 33-year-old Ortega told us.

"Two weeks notice, save 303, checklist. That's something that gets me excited, gives me nerves. Makes me feel alive again. Makes me feel like a young up-and-comer."

Of course, 303 was flipped on its head after headliner Conor McGregor was forced out with an injury. With a huge hole at the top…