The co-headlining bout of UFC Fight Night: Walker vs Zhang at Shanghai Indoor Stadium has a sudden alteration. Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling no longer fight in the featherweight division. Both wound up coming to terms on a 153-pound catchweight following the weigh-in didn’t go according to plan.
Why the Bout Became a Catchweight
Ortega once more has the same issue making 1the 45 lbs division. He had to weigh in at 146 lbs for the non-title limit, but weight-cutting did not go well. On the scales, both Ortega and Sterling weigh 153 lbs, so UFC moved the fight to catchweight to salvage it.
UFC itself doesn’t provide a solid justification, though history already reveals Ortega has fought many times to move down to featherweight. This leads fans and analysts to question how long he will be able to remain in that category.
Full Weigh-In Results for Main Card
All weigh-ins are done prior to the event, and aside from the co-main event, most bouts are routine as scheduled.
Main Card Official Weigh-In
- Johnny Walker – 206 lb
- Zhang Mingyang – 205 lb
- Catchweight Bout
- Brian Ortega – 153 lb
- Aljamain Sterling – 153 lb
- Brian Ortega – 153 lb
- Sergei Pavlovich – 255.5 lb vs Waldo Cortes-Acosta – 262 lb
- Su Mudaerji – 125.5 lb vs Kevin Borjas – 126 lb
- Taiyilake Nueraji – 170 lb vs Kiefer Crosbie – 170.5 lb
All fighters from the preliminary fights made weight smoothly.
Stakes of This Fight
Even in the aftermath of the weight drama, the bout remains an official five-round co-headliner. Ortega, once a title challenger, seeks to recover from his loss to Diego Lopes. Sterling, former bantamweight champion, also seeks a comeback after his loss to Movsar Evloev.
Bookmakers adjusted odds rapidly when Ortega missed weight. Sterling was -275, but has since been moved to -380 favorite. Ortega’s figure increased from +210 to +300; many fear his condition isn’t adequate for a long fight.
Catchweight Meaning
Catchweight is a weight figure outside of the usual classes, where fighters meet in agreement. This occurs when one or both are not able to make it to the contract weight. It is done, therefore bout don’t get canceled and still can carry on.
Final Point
- Event: UFC Fight Night 257 – Walker vs Zhang
- Update: Ortega vs Sterling is now a 1a 53 lbs catchweight
- Reason: Ortega misses featherweight, both weigh 153 lbs
- Effect: The Battle rages on, yet skepticism grows regarding Ortega’s place in the featherweight
