Brian Ortega’s UFC Shanghai fight will now be at a 153-pound catchweight. This change comes after a major weight-cut crisis.

At the UFC Shanghai weigh-ins on August 22, 2025, Brian Ortega had a shocking change of plans. He had to postpone his fight against Aljamain Sterling, which was set for 145 pounds. Because of a health scare during his weight cut, he will now face Sterling at a 153-pound catchweight.

Ortega, 34, needed medical help and went to the hospital after showing signs of weakness. He collapsed while trying to make the featherweight limit during the weigh-in. This led to an ambulance being called to the fighters’ hotel. Witnesses said Ortega was “barely able to lift his arms” and “struggling to stay conscious.” This raised worries about his safety and the co-main event at UFC Fight Night. Walker vs. Zhang.

After many hours of waiting, UFC officials, with President Hunter Campbell at the helm, confirmed that Ortega and Sterling both weighed in at 153 pounds. The fight will go on as a five-round catchweight match. Sterling, the former bantamweight champion, looked sharp and ready. He agreed to the weight change to keep the big fight on the card.

Ortega has struggled to make the 145-pound limit. He even withdrew from UFC 303 due to a fever. Now, more people are urging him to move up to lightweight for good. The catchweight in Shanghai sets the fight at 155 pounds, right at the lightweight limit. This shows the physical impact of drastic weight cuts on the 11-year UFC veteran’s body.

UFC Fight Night at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai is set. Ortega will face Sterling at catchweight. Prelims start on August 23 at 3:00 a.m. ET, and the main card begins at 6:00 a.m. ET. Fans and industry watchers will closely see if Ortega can bounce back from the weight-cut issue and put up a strong fight against Sterling.