The UFC just handed us a real head-scratcher, something straight out of a reality TV drama. The highly anticipated brawl between Brian ‘T-City’ Ortega and Aljamain ‘Funk Master’ Sterling was almost called off. But instead of canceling, they just bumped it up a weight class. It moved from featherweight (145 pounds) to lightweight (155 pounds). Officially, nobody said why, but everyone in the know understands. Ortega has had more than a few close calls on the scale. This time, it seems he decided to ditch the weigh-in stress and just get down to what he does best: fight.
This Saturday, the action unfolds at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai. While there’s no championship belt on the line, the tension and curiosity are sky-high. All eyes are glued to what this new weight class means for Ortega’s future.
Ortega’s New Chapter: A Fighter with Fire and Flair
Brian Ortega steps into this fight with a record of 16 wins and 4 losses. He’s hungry for a comeback. Sure, he dropped three of his last four fights. But those weren’t just any losses; they were absolute wars against the best in the business. Think Alexander Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez. Now, this Mexican-American fighter is looking for a fresh start, a chance to prove himself again, and a whole new story in the lightweight division.
Aljamain Sterling, meanwhile, walks in with the shine of a former bantamweight champion. He’s got big plans, aiming to become a multi-belt holder. But let’s be honest, most of the chatter and excitement is squarely on Ortega. People want to see what ‘T-City’ brings to this new challenge.
Brian Ortega vs. Alexander Volkanovski. Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images
The Many Layers of ‘T-City’ Ortega
A fighter’s story isn’t just told inside the cage; it’s shaped by life outside it, too. Brian Ortega, known as ‘T-City,’ has a background as rich and complex as his fighting style. His parents hail from Sinaloa, Mexico, and he proudly shows off his Mexican heritage whenever he gets the chance. That’s a core part of who he is.
His nickname, ‘T-City,’ is no accident either. It comes from ‘Triangle City,’ a nod to his amazing skill with the triangle choke. It’s a move he perfected early on, having trained in jiu-jitsu since he was 13 with the legendary Gracie family. Ortega grew up in a tough Los Angeles neighborhood, surrounded by gangs. But he chose a different path, using sports as his way out. He hasn’t forgotten his roots, supporting programs for young people in struggling communities. And if you’ve caught his interviews, you know he’s naturally bilingual, switching between English and Spanish with ease. While he’s known for his grappling, he also packs a punch. Just ask Frankie Edgar, who suffered a brutal knockout against Ortega in 2018.
Tracy Cortez. Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images
From Octagon to Instagram: Ortega’s Life in the Spotlight
Beyond his fierce fighting, Ortega has made a splash outside the cage. In 2020, he hit headlines for his relationship with fellow UFC fighter, Tracy Cortez. They were the ultimate ‘power couple’ in MMA, sharing workouts, trips, and romantic moments online. Their breakup later broke many fans’ hearts.
When he’s not fighting, Ortega enjoys a cool, urban lifestyle with a strong Latin flair. Think sports cars, hip hop music, and working with fashion brands. He’s even landed on magazine covers, often highlighted for his “bad boy with a noble heart” image. His long hair and relaxed style give him a rock star vibe, making him a favorite for photographers and glossy magazines.
He’s also had his share of viral moments that grab attention. Besides his famous relationship with Tracy Cortez, there was a controversial incident in 2020. Ortega was caught on camera slapping a friend and translator of South Korean fighter ‘Korean Zombie’ at an event. That moment exploded online, sparking a flurry of memes and comments. Yet, he also goes viral for good deeds, like sharing his time and wisdom with young athletes in Latino neighborhoods across Los Angeles, acting as a true mentor. His smooth transition between English and Spanish during interviews also charms fans on both sides of any border.
Shanghai Sets the Stage
The upcoming showdown between Ortega and Sterling is much more than just a fight. It’s a story of redemption, high-stakes drama, and pure spectacle. While the athletic competition is key, Ortega has clearly grown into a figure whose influence reaches far beyond the octagon.
The big question now is: Will we see ‘T-City’ make a triumphant return and truly begin a new chapter at 155 pounds? Or will Sterling cement his rise toward another championship belt? No matter the outcome, one thing is certain: the show has already started, and the entire world is watching.