In a significant development for UFC fans, Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling are set to clash at UFC Shanghai, but the anticipated fight will now take place as a catchweight contest. Originally scheduled for the featherweight division, this switch comes after concerns arose regarding Ortega's weight cut during the weigh-ins. The fighters were required to weigh in at 146 pounds for a non-title fight, but Ortega's struggles led the UFC to adjust the bout to a catchweight of 153 pounds.
Although the UFC did not provide an official explanation for the change, the decision underscores the challenges athletes face during weigh-ins, particularly in high-stakes matches. Both Ortega and Sterling successfully made weight at 153 pounds, ensuring that the fight is officially on as the co-main event of the evening. This matchup is particularly crucial for both fighters, each looking to rebound from recent defeats.
Brian Ortega is eager to bounce back after a tough loss to Diego Lopes. Similarly, Aljamain Sterling faces his own challenges, aiming to reclaim victory following a competitive decision loss to Movsar Evloev in December 2024. This fight serves as a pivotal moment for both athletes as they strive to reestablish themselves in their respective divisions.
Despite the challenges faced by Ortega, the main event of UFC Shanghai features light heavyweights Johnny Walker and Zhang Mingyang, who both made weight without any issues. Walker came in at 206 pounds, while Zhang weighed 205 pounds. Their early weigh-in reflects their readiness for the five-round showdown, promising an exciting main event for fans.
The weigh-in results for the fighters competing at UFC Shanghai demonstrated a smooth process overall. Here are the official weights for the bouts:
Main Event: Johnny Walker (206) vs. Zhang Mingyang (205) Brian Ortega (153) vs. Aljamain Sterling (153)* Sergei Pavlovich (255.5) vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (262) Sumudaerji (125.5) vs. Kevin Borjas (126) Taiyilake Nueraji (170) vs. Kiefer Crosbie (170.5) Maheshate (155) vs. Gauge Young (155.5) Lone’er Kavanagh (126) vs. Charles Johnson (126) Rongzhu (155.5) vs. Austin Hubbard (155.5) Michel Pereira (186) vs. Kyle Daukaus (185) Yizha (145) vs. Westin Wilson (146) Xiao Long (136) vs. SuYoung You (135.5) Uran Satybaldiev (204) vs. Diyar Nurzgozhay (205.5)*Note: The fight between Ortega and Sterling has been changed to a 153-pound catchweight contest after initially being scheduled at featherweight.
As UFC Shanghai approaches, the excitement builds for this crucial matchup between Ortega and Sterling, showcasing the resilience and determination of both fighters in their quest for victory.
