Brian Ortega has weight-cutting issues, and fight with former champion changes weight class at UFC Shanghai

Brian ortega have a fight against aljamain sterling rescheduled in UFC Shanghai. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

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the fight between Brian ortega e aljamain sterling No. UFC Shanghai, underwent a last-minute change. Initially scheduled for the featherweight division (up to 65,7 kg), the bout was officially rescheduled as a catchweight bout of 69,4 kg after Ortega faced severe difficulties during his weight cut.

According to an official UFC statement, the change was agreed upon between the parties after Ortega presented a case of significant dehydration in the final stretch of preparation. Despite the problems faced by the North American athlete, the organization confirmed that the fight is maintained and will continue as the co-main event of this Saturday's card (23), in China.

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The UFC did not reveal any medical details about the incident, but sources close to the organization ruled out the need for hospital treatment, denying initial rumors that Ortega had been pulled from the event. During the face-off, however, T-City appeared weakened.

At 32, Brian ortega returns to the octagon and makes his first appearance in 2025. The former title challenger is coming off a loss to Diego lopes in September 2024. The UFC Shanghai will be headlined by the fight between the Brazilian Johnny Walker and the chinese Zhang Mingyang, valid for the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg).

Brian Ortega appears as a 'zombie' in a face-off for UFC Shanghai

Brian ortega can barely walk at the weigh-ins dawg pic.twitter.com/gwcHovDUIX

—Ben Davis (@BenTheBaneDavis) August 22, 2025