UFC Shanghai Update: Ortega vs. Sterling Shifted to Catchweight
Hey everyone, here’s the latest from UFC Fight Night 257 in Shanghai, and it’s definitely got some buzz. The official weigh-ins just wrapped up, and there’s a notable update for the co-main event: Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling’s fight has been moved to a catchweight at 153 pounds. Originally scheduled as a featherweight bout, this change came after reports that Ortega had been hospitalized, which caused some concern in the lead-up to the event. The good news is that both fighters made weight for the new limit, so the matchup is still on and expected to be a highly competitive fight.
The weigh-ins took place at the UFC host hotel in Shanghai, just a stone’s throw from the Mercedes-Benz Arena where Saturday’s event will be held. Fans are especially excited about the main card, which features rising Chinese middleweight star Zhang Mingyang taking on veteran Johnny Walker. Zhang, undefeated in the UFC so far, will be fighting in front of his home crowd, which adds an extra layer of excitement to the showdown. Walker, of course, brings plenty of experience and knockout power, making this one of the most anticipated matchups of the night.
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Alongside Ortega and Sterling, several other fighters made weight successfully. On the main card, Waldo Cortes-Acosta tipped the scales at 262 pounds for his heavyweight bout against Sergei Pavlovich, who came in at 255.5 pounds. In the lighter divisions, Kevin Borjas weighed 126 pounds to face Su Mudaerji, and Kiefer Crosbie came in at 170.5 pounds against Taiyilake Nueraji, who made 170 pounds.
The preliminary card also featured a variety of matchups, including Hayisaer Maheshate at 155 pounds against Gauge Young, and Austin Hubbard and Rong Zhu both coming in at 155.5 pounds. Other notable prelim fighters making weight included Kyle Daukaus at 185 pounds versus Michel Pereira at 186, and Yi Zha at 145 pounds against Westin Wilson, who weighed 146. The weigh-ins went smoothly overall, with no major issues aside from the catchweight adjustment for Ortega and Sterling.
This shift to a catchweight doesn’t change the stakes for Ortega and Sterling. Ortega, a former featherweight title challenger, is looking to stay in the title picture and will likely bring his trademark grappling and submission skills. Sterling, a former bantamweight champion, has proven himself across multiple weight classes, and fans can expect a fast-paced, tactical fight with both men aiming to make a statement.
So, UFC Fight Night 257 promises a thrilling night of fights, with the main card kicking off at 6 a.m. ET and the prelims starting at 3 a.m. ET. Between rising stars, veteran contenders, and the dramatic catchweight update for Ortega and Sterling, there’s plenty to keep fight fans glued to the action.
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