URGENT UPDATE: UFC featherweight Brian Ortega has revealed he lost consciousness during his weight cut for UFC Fight Night in Shanghai last month, waking up in an emergency room. This alarming development raises serious concerns about fighter safety and weight-cutting practices in the UFC.
In a candid social media post, Ortega confirmed he was out cold for approximately 30 minutes after a grueling session on the bike. He was originally slated to face Aljamain Sterling, but the fight was changed to a 153-pound catchweight after Ortega weighed in heavy at 145 pounds.
Ortega, with a record of 16-5, described the harrowing experience: “I hit 20 minutes on the bike and once I got off, I went unconscious,” he recounted. “During that time, they were putting ice on me…I woke up in the E.R., I ripped everything off, I couldn’t really speak.” This shocking revelation comes just days after he lost all five rounds to Sterling, looking visibly unsteady on the scale.
His weight-cutting ordeal has sparked urgent discussions regarding the health risks fighters face. Ortega noted, “Everything in my body is telling me not to fight,” yet he chose to compete, saying, “I decided to fight for my family…and for you guys [the fans].” His commitment raises questions about the pressure fighters endure to meet weight requirements.
Ortega has been contemplating a permanent move up in weight for over a year but has not yet booked a fight in the lightweight division. Previously, he was forced to withdraw from a short-notice bout against Diego Lopes in 2024 due to health issues related to weight cutting. He faced immense pressure during the Shanghai event, with a potential replacement opponent on standby, yet remained determined to fight.
As fans and analysts react to this shocking health scare, Ortega’s experience underscores the critical need for improved safety protocols in mixed martial arts. The UFC and fighters alike must prioritize health over competition to prevent such dangerous incidents in the future.
Next steps for Ortega remain uncertain, but this incident may prompt him to reconsider his weight class and training regimen. Fans worldwide will be watching closely as he navigates his future in the octagon.