Back to the MMA Newsfeed

Sickly Brian Ortega Weight Cut Crisis Leads to Last-Minute UFC Shanghai Changes

Related Topics: Brian Ortega, UFC

UFC featherweight contender Brian Ortega faced serious health complications during his weight cut for UFC Shanghai, forcing officials to restructure his co-main event bout against Aljamain Sterling. The fight, originally scheduled at featherweight, was moved to a 153-pound catchweight after reports emerged that Ortega had been hospitalized during the cutting process.

Brian Ortega vs. Aljamain Sterling

The drama unfolded during Thursday’s official weigh-ins at the UFC’s designated hotel in Shanghai. Initial reports indicated that Brian Ortega had been hospitalized after falling while attempting to make the 145-pound featherweight limit. Sources reported that an ambulance was seen at the fighter hotel, leading to widespread speculation that the highly anticipated co-main event would be cancelled entirely.