UPDATE: A significant shift in the fight card for UFC Fight Night has just been confirmed. Featherweights Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling will clash at the 155-pound lightweight limit this Saturday in Shanghai, China, instead of their originally scheduled featherweight bout.
Both fighters weighed in at 153 pounds on Friday, prompting the UFC to change the fight’s weight class. The organization has not disclosed the reasons behind this decision, but it is widely known that Ortega has faced challenges making the featherweight limit of 145 pounds and has been contemplating moving up permanently.
This non-title fight will be featured as the co-main event at the Mercedes-Benz Arena and is set for five rounds. Fans are eager to see how this change will impact the dynamics of the fight, especially as Ortega, with a record of 16-4, aims to reverse his recent performance trends. He has lost three of his last four fights, with two of those losses coming against champions Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez.
Meanwhile, Sterling, a former 135-pound champion with a record of 24-5, is determined to secure his second UFC title after moving up from bantamweight. After his title loss to Sean O’Malley in August 2019, Sterling made the transition to featherweight but is currently 1-1 in that division, suffering a defeat to top contender Movsar Evloev in December.
As fight night approaches, the stakes are high for both fighters. This matchup could potentially reshape their careers and determine their future paths within the UFC. Fans are urged to tune in for this exciting event that promises to deliver thrilling action and unexpected turns.
With the anticipation building, both fighters are expected to make their final preparations leading up to the bout. UFC Fight Night is shaping up to be a must-watch event, and the results from this fight will be closely analyzed by fans and analysts alike. Don’t miss the action this Saturday!