URGENT UPDATE: A highly anticipated featherweight matchup between Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling is set to take place at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Shanghai, but with a significant change: the fight will now occur at the 155-pound lightweight limit. Both fighters weighed in at 153 pounds on Friday, prompting this unexpected adjustment.
The reason for the switch remains undisclosed by the UFC, but it is widely known that Ortega has struggled to make the featherweight limit of 145 pounds and has considered a permanent move to the lightweight division. This fight marks a pivotal moment for both athletes as they aim to redefine their careers.
Brian Ortega, holding a record of 16-4, has faced challenges in his last four fights, securing only one victory. Notably, two of his recent losses were against reigning champions Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez. Meanwhile, Aljamain Sterling, the former 135-pound champion, holds a record of 24-5 and is trying to reclaim a title after moving up in weight following his loss to Sean O’Malley in August 2019. Sterling is currently 1-1 in his new weight class, with his only defeat coming against Movsar Evloev, the top-ranked contender in December.
This non-title fight is set to be the co-main event at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, scheduled for five rounds. Both fighters are eager to make a statement, especially Sterling, who hopes to work his way back to championship contention.
Fans and analysts alike are buzzing with excitement as the fight approaches. Will Ortega’s move up in weight reinvigorate his career, or can Sterling capitalize on this opportunity to secure a win and further his quest for another UFC title?
As the fight draws near, all eyes will be on Shanghai to see how this matchup unfolds. Stay tuned for updates as the event approaches, and be sure to catch the action live on Saturday!
