Overview
- UFC officials confirmed both Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling weighed in at 153 pounds, preserving the co-main event as a catchweight.
- Multiple outlets reported Ortega experienced weight-cut issues before the scale, with initial cancellation chatter later reversed after the official announcement.
- Betting markets swung toward Sterling following the episode, with his line shortening from about -275 to roughly -380 at some sportsbooks.
- The main event remains Johnny Walker vs. Zhang Mingyang, with the Chinese contender entering unbeaten in the UFC and riding a rapid knockout streak.
- Earlier in fight week, Sterling criticized being booked for a five-round, non-headlining bout without additional compensation, spotlighting ongoing pay tensions.