SHANGHAI, CHINA – The UFC Shanghai co-main event between Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling will proceed as a catchweight bout after Ortega experienced severe difficulties making weight for the featherweight limit. The fight, originally scheduled for 145 pounds, will now take place at 153 pounds.
The initial declaration on Thursday evening indicated Ortega would not be able to make weight,leading to the fight’s cancellation. Though, the UFC reversed course, agreeing to a catchweight to allow the bout to continue. This decision prompted adjustments from oddsmakers, who had to recalibrate betting lines.
A video posted by UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili on Friday showed an ambulance outside the UFC fighter hotel in Shanghai, presumably transporting Ortega. Dvalishvili is in Shanghai to corner Aljamain Sterling, nicknamed “Funk Master.” The extent of Ortega’s medical condition remains unknown, but he received sufficient care to be cleared to compete.
“Weight cutting is never easy. Thank God everybody is safe and fight is still on,” Dvalishvili wrote accompanying the video.
Weight cutting is a common practice in combat sports, where athletes dehydrate themselves to compete in a lower weight class. This process can be perilous, possibly leading to health complications. the UFC has faced increasing scrutiny regarding the safety of extreme weight cuts, and has implemented some measures to mitigate risks, though the practice remains prevalent.
Ortega (15-3, 1 NC) is a prominent featherweight contender known for his submission skills. Sterling (23-3) is the former UFC Bantamweight Champion, moving up in weight for this contest. The fight represents a critically importent matchup in the featherweight division.