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Video: Brian Ortega reveals alarming 40-pound weight cut that led to UFC Shanghai pre-fight hospitalization (and coma)
TL;DR
Brian Ortega revealed he experienced a severe 40-pound weight cut that led to hospitalization and a coma before UFC Shanghai. This alarming incident has prompted him to officially move up to the Lightweight division.
Key points
- Brian Ortega experienced a 40-pound weight cut.
- The weight cut led to hospitalization and a coma.
- Ortega is officially moving up to the Lightweight division.
- He was scheduled to fight Renato Moicano at UFC 326.
- An injury forced Ortega out of the fight.
Brian OrtegaRenato MoicanoUFC 326UFC Shanghai
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 14: Brian Ortega enters the Octagon in a featherweight fight during the UFC 306 at Riyadh Season Noche UFC event at Sphere on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Well… that explains a lot.
Former two-time Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega is officially moving up to Lightweight — and after hearing this, it’s easy to see why.
Ortega was scheduled to face Renato Moicano in a rematch at UFC 326 last month, but an injury forced him out. Now, speaking on a podcast hosted by Dominick Cruz, “T-City” revealed the real reason behind the move up in weight.
The cuts were getting out of control.
“We had Moicano lined up in the books, we said let’s go to 155 so we’re not cutting as much weight anymore,” Ortega said. “[My coach] said, ‘You’re getting older, and these 40-pound weight cuts aren’t it anymore. From 185 to 145.”
Forty pounds.
And for what?
“Honestly, there was never any real reason other than: that’s my weight class,” Ortega admitted. “I can still make it.”
Q&A
What happened to Brian Ortega during his weight cut for UFC Shanghai?
Brian Ortega underwent a drastic 40-pound weight cut that resulted in hospitalization and a coma.
Why is Brian Ortega moving up to Lightweight?
Ortega's severe weight cut experience has led him to officially move up to the Lightweight division for safety reasons.
Who was Brian Ortega supposed to fight at UFC 326?
Brian Ortega was scheduled to face Renato Moicano in a rematch at UFC 326 before being forced out due to an injury.