URGENT UPDATE: UFC featherweight Brian Ortega has disclosed alarming details about his health crisis during a recent weight cut, revealing he lost consciousness and woke up in an emergency room while preparing for UFC Fight Night in Shanghai last month.
In a candid social media post, Ortega explained the severity of his situation, stating, “I hit 20 minutes on the bike and once I got off, I went unconscious,” adding that he was out for approximately 30 minutes. This revelation comes just days after Ortega faced Aljamain Sterling in a catchweight bout that was originally set for 145 pounds but had to be adjusted to 153 pounds after Ortega weighed in heavy.
The former two-time title challenger, now at 34 years old, recalled the frantic moments leading up to his weigh-in, where he appeared “gaunt and unsteady.” He described the scene in the ER: “During that time, they were putting ice on me, they took all my clothes off… I woke up in the E.R.,” Ortega stated, emphasizing the urgency of his condition.
Despite feeling unwell and nearly fainting, Ortega decided to continue with the fight, stating, “Everything in my body is telling me not to fight. First and foremost, I decided to fight for my family. That’s my job, to show up and do what I do for them. Secondly, I fought for you guys [the fans].”
Ortega ultimately lost all five rounds against Sterling, a result that has raised eyebrows about the risks fighters take to meet weight requirements. He has been contemplating a permanent move up in weight for over a year but has yet to secure a lightweight fight in the UFC.
Earlier today, Ortega confirmed that the UFC had a replacement fighter ready should he have to withdraw, yet he remained resolute about stepping into the octagon despite his health concerns. “We rehydrated the entire day. I didn’t feel good, I wanted to call it off,” he recounted, highlighting the mental and physical toll of extreme weight cutting.
As the MMA community reacts to Ortega’s account, fans and fighters alike are urged to consider the serious implications of weight cutting practices in combat sports. The incident has sparked conversations about fighter safety and the need for more stringent regulations regarding weight management.
What happens next for Ortega remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his experience will resonate within the UFC and could lead to changes in how fighters approach weight cuts. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
