Brian Ortega disclosed that he lost consciousness for 30 minutes while attempting to meet the weight requirement for his UFC Fight Night matchup against Aljamain Sterling in Shanghai last month.
Ortega and Sterling had to settle for a catchweight of 153 pounds after Ortega could not make the required weight for their bout scheduled on August 23. Two weeks following the fight, Ortega shared the alarming details of his experience.
“We went downstairs at about eight [o’clock], eight-something, and decided to cut more weight,” Ortega mentioned in an Instagram video. “Put the plastics on, Sweet Sweat, the whole thing. I did 20 minutes on the bike. Once I went off, I went unconscious. I was unconscious for about 30 minutes. During that time, they were putting ice on me. They took all my clothes off and left me in boxers. Woke up in the ER.”
Translation: “We went downstairs at about eight [o’clock], eight-something, and decided to cut more weight,” Ortega mentioned in an Instagram video. “Put the plastics on, Sweet Sweat… I was unconscious for about 30 minutes. They took all my clothes off and left me in boxers…”
Despite his state, Ortega fought Sterling, but struggled throughout the match, averaging only 11 scoring strikes per round and losing on the scorecards. He emphasized he would have withdrawn if his health was at risk.
“We figured if I didn’t feel good or if something was seriously off, that we would call the fight,” Ortega stated. “No matter who you are, your health comes first; I always stand by that.”
Balancing concern and camaraderie, Ortega explained how his bond with Sterling influenced his decision to continue. “Aljamain came to me, and he talked to me, and he said, ‘Hey man, I heard what happened…’ But I told him, ‘No, I don’t want to waste your time. And I showed up.’”
Deliberating about his decision, Ortega admitted that fear gripped him post-incident.
“I didn’t feel good… I was afraid, I’m not going to lie. Being unconscious for 30 minutes and then fighting the next day, but I decided to go for it, still.”
