Introduction
Brian Ortega, the resilient and ever-popular “T-City,” continues to be one of MMA’s most captivating figures. His journey to UFC stardom has been marked by electrifying submission victories, heart-rending defeats, and ongoing struggles with weight cutting. Now, Ortega faces Aljamain Sterling in what was set to be a featherweight showdown—but unfolded differently. Here’s a deep-dive into Ortega’s weight-cutting woes, his MMA record, and this new chapter against Sterling.
1. Missed Weight: Ortega’s Ongoing Struggles
Latest: Catchweight Established — 153 lbs
At the weigh-ins for UFC Fight Night 257 on August 22, 2025, both Ortega and Sterling weighed in at 153 pounds, surpassing the featherweight limit of 145 lbs (with non-title cap at 146 lbs). As a result, the fight proceeded under a catchweight at approximately 155 lbs—essentially at lightweight.
Why the Change?
Although the UFC did not issue an official explanation, media outlets cite Ortega’s well-documented weight-cut complications as the likely reason the bout was moved to catchweight.
This Isn’t New
This isn’t Ortega’s first battle with the scale:
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At UFC 303 (June 2024), he was scheduled to face Diego Lopes in a lightweight fight after failing to make featherweight. On fight day, he withdrew due to illness from a weight-struggle.
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Fans and media have often criticized his failure to safely make weight, highlighting a pattern affecting both his performance and his image.
These struggles spotlight a broader conversation about fighter safety and the toll extreme weight cuts exact on athletes.
2. MMA Record: A Tale of Greatness and Inconsistency
Professional Record
According to current data, Ortega enters this bout with a professional MMA record of 16 wins, 4 losses. Aljamain Sterling holds a 24–5 record.
Career Highlights & Key Fights
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2021: Faced Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC Featherweight title at UFC 266. Despite losing, Ortega delivered a Fight-of-the-Night performance.
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2022: Against Yair Rodríguez, he suffered a first-round TKO due to a dislocated shoulder.
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2024: Returned to defeat Rodríguez via arm-triangle submission at UFC Fight Night 237, earning Performance of the Night.
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September 2024: Lost a unanimous decision to Diego Lopes at UFC 306.
This trajectory underscores Ortega’s undeniable talent tempered by injuries and inconsistency — both in performance and in weight management.
3. Face-off: Ortega vs. Sterling — A Battle at Catchweight
Background on Sterling
Aljamain Sterling, formerly the Bantamweight Champion, has risen through the UFC ranks with precision striking and dynamic grappling. His career includes a notable catchweight bout at 140 lbs against Renan Barao—one of several times he’s competed outside his division.
The Matchup
Now set for August 23, 2025, at UFC Fight Night in Shanghai’s Mercedes-Benz Arena, this non-title, five-round co-main event pits two elite featherweight contenders against each other at catchweight (≈155 lbs).
Fan Reaction
Social media erupted in concern over Ortega’s weight-cut appearance. Some voiced fears:
“Cancel this fight, man…”
“He doesn’t look ready for a match. I am just worried.”Sportskeeda
Critics suggest Ortega should fully transition to lightweight rather than repeatedly risk such treacherous cuts.
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