UFC Fight Reaction: ‘Bro Looks Dead’ – Shanghai Audible
UFC Shanghai Shakes Up Co-Main Event: Sterling vs. Ortega Now a Catchweight Bout
Table of Contents
Published August 22, 2025
Last-Minute Change at the Weigh-Ins
Shanghai, China is set to host a thrilling UFC Fight Night event this weekend, but the build-up wasn’t without a wrinkle. The co-main event between former UFC Bantamweight Champion aljamain Sterling and two-time title challenger Brian Ortega will now take place at a catchweight of 153 pounds, a shift from the originally scheduled featherweight (145 lbs) limit. The change was announced after both fighters arrived for weigh-ins on Friday, sparking concern and speculation among fans.
All 24 fighters participating in UFC Shanghai successfully made weight during FridayS weigh-ins, with the exception of the adjusted bout between Sterling and ortega.
A History of Weight Cutting Concerns for Ortega
This isn’t the first time Brian Ortega has faced difficulties making weight. In the summer of 2024, ahead of a planned fight against Diego Lopes at UFC 303, Ortega requested to move up in weight class due to struggles with the featherweight limit. The UFC initially accommodated the request, but Ortega ultimately withdrew from that bout. This history likely played a role in the quick decision to establish a catchweight for his fight against Sterling.
Fans reacted strongly to Ortega’s appearance at the weigh-ins, with many expressing concern over his visibly depleted state.Social media was flooded with comments, including observations like “Are we sure Ortega is good to go…?” and “Ortega looks roughhhhh,” with some fans bluntly stating, “Bro looks dead.” The situation has reignited the conversation about the potential for Ortega to permanently move to the lightweight division (155 lbs).
What This Means for the Fight and Beyond
Despite the late change, the fight remains scheduled as a five-round co-main event, a testament to its anticipated excitement. Many fans believe the Sterling vs. Ortega bout is the true “people’s main event” of the card, overshadowing the headline fight between light heavyweight contenders johnny Walker and Mingyang zhang.
Full Fight Card overview
UFC Shanghai boasts a 13-fight card,featuring a diverse range of talent. In addition to the main and co-main events, the card includes a heavyweight clash between former interim title challenger Sergei pavlovich and Waldo Cortes-Acosta. Flyweight contender Charles Johnson will also defend his #15 ranking against undefeated prospect Lone’er Kavanagh.