Despite the fight nearly being called off, Brian Ortega will indeed fight Aljamain Sterling at UFC Shanghai. The big question, though: should he?
Leading up to the weigh-ins, MMAMania.com received credible reports from multiple sources that Ortega had fainted during his weight cut and would not be able to fight. But in the end, the fight was pushed forward as a 153 pound catchweight, seven pounds above the original non-champion featherweight limit.
On one hand, we’re relieved: Ortega vs. Sterling is
a banger of a fight and a cornerstone of the Shanghai event. On the other, it’s hard to feel like this is a good call when you see videos and photos of Ortega shuffling around like a zombie during the weigh-ins and face-offs.
Take a look at some of the media that was coming out of China last night:
This is the first time UFC has returned to Shanghai since the COVID-19 pandemic and an important card for the promotion. As we’ve gotten used to over the past few years, it’s also extremely top heavy. Losing the co-main would be a massive blow, and we have to wonder whether the UFC is a little too invested in trying to keep Ortega on the card despite a clear weight cut botch.
This wouldn’t be the first time UFC would have to scramble to sort out a last-minute “T-City” issue. Ortega was too sick to fight after cutting weight for UFC 303 against Diego Lopes, resulting in Dan Ige getting the call to step in on four hour’s notice.
We’ll see whether Ortega ends up making the walk in the early hours of Saturday morning — UFC Shanghai prelims start at 3 A.M. ET with the main card starting at 6 A.M. ET. Regardless of what happens, we hope this is the last time we have to see him try to make 145 pounds.
