The UFC has announced a charming featherweight fight between Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling as the co-main event at UFC Shanghai on August 31, 2025.
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Fighter Backgrounds
Brian Ortega, known as “T-City,” has long been one of the featherweight division’s most dangerous yielding artists. A two-time title challenger, Ortega’s slick Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and ever-improving skills have made him a fan favourite. Even so, setbacks against champions like Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski dashed his title dreams. Ortega went back with a superior win over Yair Rodríguez, reminding fans why he’s still a top challenger.
On the other side stands Aljamain “Funk Master” Sterling, the former UFC bantamweight champion, making his second appearance in the featherweight division. Sterling ruled at 135 pounds, utilising a mix of top wrestling, difficult striking, and a steady rate. Following his title loss to Sean O’Malley, he made the move up to 145 to chase new challenges and reduce the strain of harsh weight cuts. In his featherweight launch, Sterling picked up a decision win over Dan Ige, showing he can hang with bigger opponents.
Significance of the Matchup
This fight is more than just two names on a card, but it can be the next in line for a featherweight title hit or, at the very least, launch the winner into a top challenger’s fight. Ortega remains in the top 5, while Sterling is quickly climbing the ladder. A victory for man means they’re in the title conversation, mostly with Volkanovski, possibly seeing lightweight or dealing with new challengers like Ilia Topuria or Movsar Evloev.
It’s a good fight. Ortega and Sterling are both known for their ground games, but they apply them in very different ways. He gives in to confusion, frequently achieving finishes from on the face of it impossible places.
Sterling, meanwhile, is a pressure wrestler with the best control and cardio. He chains takedowns together, keeps opponents guessing, and rides them on the mat without giving up space. While not a creative finisher through, presenting his positional dominance and ground-and-pound makes him a nightmare for anyone lacking in fighting defence.
That sets up an interesting dynamic: can Ortega catch Sterling in a trap off his back? Or will Sterling’s smothering top game neutralise Ortega’s submission threats and earn him another hard-fought decision?
Stylistic Matchup
On the feet, Ortega has a slight edge in terms of power and technique. He’s changed under clear-cut coaches like Jason Parillo and shown flashes of brilliance, mostly in his beatdown of Chan Sung Jung. Sterling, while difficult and unorthodox, lacks the same knockout threat but can frustrate opponents with movement and volume.
If the fight stays, Ortega may look to test Sterling’s chin early. But both men will likely want the fight on the mat, for different reasons. Ortega is comfortable off his back, getting to pull guard if needed. Sterling, even if he pushes the takedown and looks to avoid the exchanges by staying tight and active from the top.
Cardio can play a role as well. Sterling is known for maintaining a high step for five rounds, while Ortega has sometimes failed to in later rounds, especially in battles. Over three rounds in Shanghai, conditioning can be the edge Sterling uses to outwork his challenger.
Predictions
While it may not deliver the cruel knockouts of a heavyweight duel, the chess match on the ground and the players involved make this a must-watch for hardcore fans. Expect swings, positional mix-up, and states where either man can hold control.
Event
UFC Shanghai marks the promotion’s return to China with an arranged of Asian talent and international stars. Headlined by an important middleweight title eliminator between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev, the card promises fireworks from top to bottom. Ortega vs. Sterling, as the co-main event, made the perfect complement to a tactical war following the confusion likely expected from the main event.
With rising stars like Song Yadong and Zhang Weili also appearing, UFC Shanghai is up to be one of the strongest international events of the year. But all eyes will be on Ortega and Sterling to see which best grappler can stake his demand in a new-look featherweight division.
One thing is certain: when “T-City” and the “Funk Master” collide, something has to give.
Vijay Suyal