Brian Ortega reveals he blacked out during UFC Shanghai weight cut

Brian Ortega has opened up about the frightening ordeal he endured while cutting weight ahead of his UFC Shanghai bout last month, admitting he was unconscious for around 30 minutes before being rushed to hospital, Sport360NG reports.

The 35-year-old American was due to face Aljamain Sterling in the co-main event but struggled to reach the featherweight limit of 145lb (10st 5lb). Instead, Ortega ended up competing at lightweight, 10lb heavier, and went on to lose a decision to Sterling after appearing visibly drained at the weigh-in.

Speaking on Instagram two weeks after the fight, Ortega explained how his body suddenly shut down during the weight-cutting process.

“We cut from midnight until eight in the morning, the whole time trying to get the weight off. I still had 1.7lb left,” Ortega said. “My body wasn’t releasing the water, but we pushed on. We went downstairs around eight, put the plastics on, and I did 20 minutes on the bike. As soon as I got off, I went unconscious.”

Ortega said he was unresponsive for about half an hour while his team tried to revive him with ice before he eventually woke up in an emergency room.

Despite the health scare, he chose to continue with the fight, even after almost collapsing again while walking outside. He admitted he initially wanted to pull out but pressed ahead after discussions with his team and Sterling, who shares the same manager.

“Everything in my body told me not to fight,” he said. “But I did it for my family first, and for the fans who have always supported me. It wouldn’t have felt right not to show up.”

Ortega, a two-time UFC title challenger at featherweight, has long been regarded as one of the division’s most durable competitors. The UFC enforces strict guidelines on weight cutting, including medical oversight and limits on how much weight can be dropped in fight week, while certain methods such as IV rehydration remain prohibited.