Featherweight Star’s Desperate Measures Leave Him Unconscious for 30 Minutes

Brian Ortega, a seasoned UFC featherweight and two-time title contender, has spoken out about his harrowing weight-cut experience ahead of his recent fight against Aljamain Sterling in Shanghai. The 35-year-old American revealed that he was unconscious for approximately 30 minutes after attempting to cut 1.7 pounds in the hours leading up to the contest.

Ortega’s weight cut was a desperate bid to make the featherweight limit of 145 pounds, having struggled to shed the required weight in time. He and his team resorted to extreme measures, including using a bike to try and shed the final 1.7 pounds. However, the fighter’s body refused to cooperate, and he eventually became unconscious after an intense weight-cutting session.

“I was unconscious for about 30 minutes,” Ortega recounted on Instagram. “They were putting ice on me, they took all my clothes off, and left me in my boxers. I woke up in the ER.”

Ortega’s weight-cutting ordeal began in the early hours of the morning, with him and his team working tirelessly to shed the required weight. Despite their efforts, Ortega’s body remained stubborn, and he was eventually forced to cut more weight in a bid to make the featherweight limit.

“It was a stressful situation,” Ortega admitted. “We were all worried about my health, but I had to push through and make the weight. I didn’t want to lose the fight, and I didn’t want to let my team down.”

Despite his dire condition, Ortega and his team decided to continue with the fight, with the fighter even having a conversation with Sterling, who shares the same manager. Ortega revealed that he considered calling off the fight, citing concerns about his health, but ultimately decided to press on, driven by a sense of responsibility to his family and the fans.

“It would be unfair to not show up for you guys, regardless of excuses,” Ortega said. “You just show up and do what you’ve got to do.”

The incident has raised questions about the safety of weight cutting in professional combat sports, particularly in the UFC, which has implemented guidelines to prevent fighters from pushing themselves too far. The organization has banned certain weight-cutting techniques, including the use of intravenous drips, but it remains to be seen whether these measures are sufficient to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The UFC has faced criticism in the past for its handling of weight cutting, with some fighters speaking out about the dangers of the practice. In 2020, the organization implemented new guidelines, including a 10% weight-cut limit for fighters in the 125-pound and 135-pound weight classes. However, some fighters have argued that these measures do not go far enough, and that the organization should do more to protect its athletes.

Ortega’s incident has sparked a renewed debate about the safety of weight cutting in the UFC, and whether more needs to be done to prevent similar incidents in the future. The organization has yet to comment on the matter, but it is clear that the incident has raised important questions about the welfare of its fighters.

In the meantime, Ortega is focusing on his recovery and his next fight. He has been open about the challenges he faced during his weight-cutting ordeal, and has expressed his gratitude to his fans for their support.

“I’m just grateful to be alive,” Ortega said. “I’m grateful to have such a supportive team and such amazing fans. I’m looking forward to getting back in the Octagon and putting on a show for everyone.”