UFC Shanghai: Brian Ortega vs. Aljamain Sterling: Live round-by-round updates

Featherweight fighters Brian Ortega and Aljamain Sterling will face off in the co-main event of UFC Shanghai in a catchweight bout at 153 pounds, following issues during the weight cuts.

Ortega has been a part of the 145-pound roster for a decade and has established himself as one of the standout fighters in the division. He has competed for the UFC title twice but suffered defeats to Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. Ortega is coming into this bout off a loss to Diego Lopes.

On the other hand, Sterling, a former UFC bantamweight champion, has now transitioned to the featherweight division. After winning against Calvin Kattar in his UFC featherweight debut, Sterling experienced a setback in his last fight at UFC 310, where he lost to Movsar Evloev.

Both Ortega and Sterling hold black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and they are expected to showcase their grappling skills to the fullest in their upcoming showdown.

UFC Shanghai is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium, Xuhui District, China. The prelims will begin at 3 AM ET / 12 AM PT, while the main card action gets underway at 6 AM ET / 3 AM PT, live on ESPN+. Notably, fans in India can watch the event on Sony LIV.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for the live coverage and play-by-play updates.

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Round 1

Sterling starts as the aggressor, pushing Ortega to the fences. Sterling lands a strong calf kick and drops Ortega. He maintains the pressure. Ortega misses a counter hook. Sterling lands another calf kick. He connects a left jab as well and follows it up with a quick right jab. Sterling hits a big right kick to the body and lands a left hook in counter as well.

Our Score: 10-9 Sterling

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Round 2

Sterling throws crisp jabs. Ortega counters with a kick. He connects with a body punch. Sterling swings, spinning back elbow and misses. Sterling continues pressure with jabs and counter hooks. Ortega swings a big right hook and misses. Ortega connects with right overhands. Referee calls for a timeout as Ortega feels an eye poke. Ortega swings, and Sterling counters with a knee to the body.

Our Score: 10-9 Sterling. Overall 20-18 Sterling.

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Round 3

Sterling starts with a calf kick. Ortega lands a kick to the body. He throws another, and Sterling blocks it. Sterling keeps poking with quick jabs. He lands a calf kick to disbalance Ortega again. Sterling connects a leg kick to the head. Ortega swings calf kicks but misses. Sterling continues to reposition himself away from Ortega's range. Ortega throws one-two combinations, while Sterling lands a spinning elbow in counter.

Our Score: 10-9 Sterling. Overall 30-27 Sterling.

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Round 4

Ortega starts as the aggressor. He keeps a constant pressure, but Sterling throws precise jabs in counter. Ortega connects a punch to the body. He pushes Sterling to the fence, but the New York native gets away. Sterling initiates a clinch and takes down Ortega. Sterling throws strikes from the top position.

Our Score: 10-9 Sterling. Overall 40-36 Sterling.

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Round 5

Ortega starts with a big right hand. Sterling tries to keep himself. He initiates a clinch, but Ortega gets away. Ortega shoots for a takedown, but Sterling defends himself and holds his opponent down. Ortega gets up and connects big right hook. Sterling stalls away, but Ortega chases him. Sterling grabs Ortega's back and puts him down. He maintains the top position.

Our Score: 10-9 Sterling. Overall 50-45 Sterling.

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Official Result

Aljamain Sterling defeats Brian Ortega via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, and 50-45)