MMA Match Preview: Brian Ortega (16-4) vs. Aljamain Sterling (24-5)

Venue: Shanghai Indoor Stadium, Shanghai, China
Division: Featherweight (145 lbs)
Card Placement: Co-Main Event

Match Overview

Two former title challengers collide as Brian “T-City” Ortega takes on Aljamain “Funk Master” Sterling in a high-stakes featherweight bout. Sterling, the former bantamweight champion, continues his campaign at 145 lbs, while Ortega looks to reassert himself in the top five after a turbulent stretch.

Fighter Profiles & Stats

Brian Ortega (Record: 16-4-0 MMA)

Age: 34

Height/Reach: 5’8″ / 69″

Team: Black House MMA

Recent Form: L-W-L-W-W

Strengths: Elite BJJ (8 submission wins), durable chin, switch stance striking

Weaknesses: Defensive striking, cardio fade in high-volume fights

Ortega remains one of the most dangerous submission artists in the division. His comeback win over Yair Rodriguez reminded fans of his finishing instincts and resilience.

Aljamain Sterling (Record: 24-5-0 MMA)

Age: 36

Height/Reach: 5’7″ / 71″

Team: Serra-Longo Fight Team

Recent Form: W-W-L-W-W

Strengths: Grappling control, takedown chains, fight IQ

Weaknesses: Striking power, vulnerability to pressure strikers

Sterling has adapted well to featherweight, earning decision wins over Calvin Kattar and Movsar Evloev. His ability to neutralize opponents with positional dominance is his calling card.

Tale of the Tape

Stat	Ortega	Sterling
Height	5’8″	5’7″
Reach	69″	71″
Knockouts	3	3
Submissions	8	8
UFC Wins	8	14
Takedown Accuracy	38%	37%
Control Time	5:27	37:10

Tactical Breakdown

Keys for Ortega:

Keep the fight standing and use feints to draw entries

Target Sterling’s body and legs to slow grappling transitions

Look for opportunistic submissions in scrambles

Keys for Sterling:

Initiate early takedown attempts and chain wrestle

Maintain top control and avoid Ortega’s guard

Use lateral movement to frustrate Ortega’s rhythm