BREAKING: UFC featherweight Brian Ortega has revealed shocking details about his recent weight cut, confirming he lost consciousness and was rushed to the emergency room. This health scare occurred during the lead-up to UFC Fight Night in Shanghai last month, where Ortega was set to face Aljamain Sterling at a 145-pound featherweight co-main event.
In a gripping social media post, Ortega disclosed that the complications from his weight cut were severe. He admitted, “I hit 20 minutes on the bike and once I got off, I went unconscious. I was unconscious for about 30 minutes.” This alarming incident highlights the dangerous extremes fighters often endure to make weight before competitions.
The bout was initially scheduled for the standard featherweight limit but was adjusted to a 153-pound catchweight after Ortega weighed in heavy. Despite appearing gaunt and unsteady on the scale, Ortega decided to proceed with the fight against Sterling, ultimately losing every round on the judges’ scorecards.
Ortega’s harrowing experience unfolded on Friday morning, just hours before the weigh-ins. He described waking up in the emergency room with medical personnel tending to him. “During that time, they were putting ice on me, they took all my clothes off, they left me in boxers,” Ortega recounted. He expressed frustration at the situation, emphasizing the urgency to make weight: “We knew we had a time limit to get to the weigh-ins; otherwise, I could not fight.”
The 34-year-old fighter has been contemplating a permanent move up in weight for over a year but has yet to secure a lightweight fight in the UFC. Earlier in 2024, he was forced to withdraw from a scheduled bout against Diego Lopes due to similar medical issues related to weight cutting.
Ortega shared that the UFC had a replacement fighter ready for him in Shanghai, but he was resolute about competing despite feeling unwell. “Sterling told me, ‘they have a replacement fighter, don’t worry about it,’ but I told him, ‘nah, I don’t want to waste your time,'” he said. His commitment to fight stemmed not only from professional obligations but also for personal reasons. “First and foremost, I decided to fight for my family. That’s my job, to show up and do what I do for them. Secondly, I fought for you guys [the fans].”
As Ortega recovers from this dangerous episode, fans and fellow fighters are left to consider the extreme pressures faced by athletes in the UFC. The weight-cutting process is known for its risks, and Ortega’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers involved.
What happens next? Fans will be eager to see if Ortega makes a shift to the lightweight division, where he may be able to compete more comfortably. The UFC community is awaiting updates on his health and future fighting plans, as Ortega continues to navigate the challenges of his career.
This story is developing, and we will provide further updates as they become available.
