Quick Read
- Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling will fight at UFC Shanghai in a catchweight bout at 155 pounds.
- The weight change was prompted by Ortega’s struggles to make the featherweight limit of 145 pounds.
- Sterling, a former bantamweight champion, is 1-1 in his featherweight career and seeks redemption.
- Ortega has lost three of his last four fights but remains a dangerous submission artist.
- The fight is a five-round co-main event with significant stakes for both fighters’ careers.
The UFC Fight Night in Shanghai on August 23, 2025, brings an exciting twist as Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling step into the octagon for a catchweight bout at 155 pounds. Originally scheduled as a featherweight clash, the change in weight class has added intrigue to the co-main event at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium. This decision was confirmed by UFC officials on August 22, following the fighters’ weigh-ins, where both registered at 153 pounds.
From Featherweight to Catchweight: The Weight Shift Explained
The unexpected shift to a catchweight contest stems from Brian Ortega’s well-documented struggles to make the featherweight limit of 145 pounds. As reported by News.Az, Ortega has long hinted at moving up to lightweight, and this bout may serve as a precursor to a permanent transition. The UFC did not provide an official reason for the weight change, but Ortega’s challenges with weight cuts have been a recurring theme throughout his career.
Aljamain Sterling, a former bantamweight champion, moved to featherweight after his title loss to Sean O’Malley in 2019. Since then, he has been navigating a new weight class, with a record of 1-1. His recent loss to Movsar Evloev, a top contender, has motivated him to prove his mettle in this high-stakes matchup. According to ESPN, Sterling aims to leverage his grappling skills against Ortega’s striking and submission expertise.
The Fighters’ Journeys: Ortega and Sterling’s Recent Performances
Brian Ortega, nicknamed “T-City,” is known for his exceptional submission skills, particularly his triangle choke and guillotine finishes. However, his recent track record has been inconsistent. With a 1-3 record in his last four fights, Ortega’s losses include bouts against featherweight champions Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez. Despite these setbacks, Ortega remains a dangerous opponent, capable of turning the tide with a single submission.
Aljamain Sterling, on the other hand, has built his career on a strong wrestling foundation. As detailed by Action Network, Sterling’s ability to control opponents on the ground has been a key factor in his success. His divisional debut at featherweight saw him dominate Calvin Kattar with eight takedowns and over 10 minutes of control time. However, his loss to Movsar Evloev highlighted vulnerabilities that Ortega may seek to exploit.
The Stakes: A Pivotal Moment for Both Fighters
This matchup is more than just another fight; it’s a turning point for both athletes. For Ortega, a victory could solidify his move to the lightweight division and reignite his pursuit of a UFC title. For Sterling, a win would bolster his case for another shot at championship gold, either at featherweight or lightweight.
The fight is scheduled for five rounds, making endurance and strategy critical components. As noted by Economic Times, Ortega’s durability and Sterling’s control-oriented approach will likely shape the outcome. Both fighters have a lot to prove, and this contest could determine their future trajectories in the UFC.
What to Expect: Styles Make Fights
Fans can expect a clash of styles in this highly anticipated bout. Ortega’s striking and submission skills will be tested against Sterling’s wrestling and ground control. While Sterling has never been submitted in his professional MMA career, Ortega’s expertise in jiu-jitsu could pose a unique challenge. Conversely, Sterling’s ability to dictate the pace and position of the fight may neutralize Ortega’s strengths.
According to betting odds from DraftKings, Sterling enters the fight as a favorite, reflecting his recent performances and stylistic advantages. However, Ortega’s unpredictability and finishing ability make him a live underdog, capable of upsetting the odds.
As the fighters step into the octagon on Saturday morning in Shanghai, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With careers and legacies on the line, this catchweight clash promises to be a memorable encounter for MMA fans worldwide.