Ortega-Sterling Fight Set as 153-lb Catchweight After Medical Scare

With less than 48 hours to go before Saturday's event in Shanghai, the UFC's co-main event between former featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling was briefly in doubt after reports circulated that Ortega suffered a weight-cutting medical scare, but both fighters ultimately weighed in and the bout will proceed as a 153 pound catchweight, officials and commentators said. Early social-media reports said Ortega fainted and was taken to hospital during his attempt to make featherweight, prompting concern among fans and speculation the fight would be pulled. Brendan Fitzgerald, a UFC commentator, said the bout "was in doubt at certain times" while officials awaited medical clearance. Ortega later stepped on the scale alongside Sterling and posted an Instagram story saying "Love you guys," though observers noted he appeared fatigued at the faceoff.

Because both fighters registered 153 pounds, close to the lightweight threshold, the fight was changed to a catchweight contest, a result that could limit its value for featherweight rankings, commentators warned. UFC President Dana White has publicly expressed dislike for catchweight bouts but approved the change...