Brian Ortega is set to compete tomorrow morning, Saturday, August 23, 2025, at UFC Shanghai, taking place in Shanghai, China. However, his path to the octagon has been tumultuous, including an apparent ride in an ambulance. Just two days before the fight, it was revealed that Ortega faced significant difficulties in making weight for his co-main event matchup against fellow UFC featherweight, Aljamain Sterling.
On Thursday evening, reports indicated that Ortega was in rough shape and unable to even step onto the scale. Consequently, the highly anticipated fight was initially canceled. This unexpected turn of events left fight fans and pundits alike speculating about Ortega's readiness to compete. However, shortly thereafter, news broke that the fight would still proceed, but the bout would now be contested at a catchweight of 153 pounds.
The decision to allow the fight to go on raised eyebrows among fans, especially considering Ortega's struggles with his weight cut, which had led to the original cancellation. Oddsmakers also scrambled to adjust their lines in response to this rapidly changing situation. Observers noted Ortega's condition during the final face-off with Sterling, leading many to question whether he should participate in the fight at all.
On Friday, a concerning video surfaced, posted by UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, who is in Shanghai to corner “Funk Master” Sterling. The video depicted an ambulance outside the UFC fighter hotel, presumed to be transporting Ortega. At this point, the severity of Ortega’s weight cut remains unclear, as does what transpired after his ambulance ride. Nonetheless, he has received enough medical attention to be cleared to compete this weekend.
“Weight cutting is never easy. Thank God everybody is safe and the fight is still on,” Merab wrote in his post, expressing relief amid the uncertainty. As fight fans eagerly await the showdown, many are left to ponder Ortega's condition and whether he should even be fighting at this point. What are your thoughts on this situation? How will Ortega perform tomorrow morning?
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to Shanghai, China, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, with the event titled UFC Shanghai: “Walker vs. Zhang”. The event will take place inside the Shanghai Indoor Stadium. The main event features explosive 205-pound standout, Johnny Walker, facing off against fast-rising knockout artist, Zhang Mingyang, in a high-stakes clash set for five, five-minute rounds.
In the co-main event, top-ranked featherweight contenders Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling will square off, both aiming to solidify their positions in the competitive 145-pound title picture. For fans looking for the complete UFC Shanghai fight card and the ESPN+ lineup, more information can be found here.
