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Brian Ortega Says He Was Unconscious for 30 Minutes During UFC Shanghai Weight Cut

His account renews scrutiny of extreme weight cutting in MMA.

Overview

  • Ortega said he blacked out after a 20‑minute bike session, had ice applied and his clothes removed, and woke up in an emergency room.
  • The scheduled featherweight fight with Aljamain Sterling was changed to a 153‑pound catchweight after he failed to reach 145.
  • He recounted that Sterling told him a replacement was ready, yet he chose to compete after spending the day eating and rehydrating.
  • Sterling won by unanimous decision with three 50–45 scorecards, and Ortega said he accepts full responsibility for the weight‑cut problems.
  • Ortega indicated he is not retiring, and his disclosure has intensified calls for tighter medical oversight and weight‑cut reforms.