“I got my family back!” is a quote closely tied to Brian Ortega as he fought his way back from the lowest points of his life. The featherweight contender was previously in a public relationship with UFC women’s flyweight Tracy Cortez. The two were even engaged. However, the two eventually parted ways in early 2023. The breakup hit Ortega hard, and he admitted to stumbling into one of the darkest chapters of his career. Eventually, after bouncing back as a reinvigorated man, now married to Stephanie Roberts and father to two boys, “T-City” often expresses gratitude for having Roberts back in his life. However, with concerns surrounding Ortega’s health ahead of UFC Shanghai, his ex-partner has spoken out in a blunt post.

Now, as Brian Ortega prepares to face Aljamain Sterling at UFC Fight Night in Shanghai today, the circumstances around the fight have already shifted. Ortega failed to make the 145 lbs weight limit for the co-main event bout, with reports even suggesting he collapsed and had to be rushed to a hospital. This forced the UFC to move the matchup to a 153-lb catchweight instead of the scheduled featherweight clash.

Amid this, Cortez shared a message of her own. A few hours ago, MMA content creator Kevin reshared her post on Instagram with the caption, “Tracy Cortez Alludes That Brian Ortega is stuck in his own way and wont make necessary changes to be better after his #UFCShanghai Weight Cut. Cortez also mentions she feels sorry for nobody grown and capable 😬.”

In her original post, the 12-2 fighter wrote, “I don’t feel sorry for nobody grown & capable. Y’all swear things be holding u back, but it really be u stuck in ur ways & won’t make the necessary changes to be better… It ain’t the devil, it ain’t the city u in, it’s not the ppl u around. It’s YOU! Srry not srry 🫢.” Ouch!

Brian Ortega has long faced challenges in making the 145-lb featherweight limit, struggling with both physical and strategic difficulties. What’s more? He even addressed the issue during UFC Fight Night media day, discussing a potential move to lightweight. When asked why his bout with Aljamain Sterling was still set at featherweight despite earlier hints about moving up, Ortega explained that he had been offered a fight against a “UFC legend” at lightweight, but the opponent ultimately declined.

Moreover, with speculation swirling that the co-main event might be scrapped due to his weight-cutting issues, Ortega later clarified that the reports were the result of a major miscommunication. And now he has a message to share with his fans.

Brian Ortega takes fans’ concerns to heart ahead of UFC Shanghai

According to reports, Brian Ortega fainted during his weight cut and had to be rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Later, it was revealed that “T-City” was in good health and managed to step onto the scale during the official weigh-in alongside the 25-5 fighter. The two even faced off ahead of Saturday night, though Ortega appeared a bit unsteady as he staggered to the stage.

As a result, Dana White was forced to adjust the co-main event at UFC Shanghai. With Ortega struggling to make the featherweight limit, both fighters weighed in at 153 pounds, nearly hitting the lightweight threshold. The matchup will now proceed as a catchweight bout, something Dana White is rarely in favor of.

However, reports of Brian Ortega’s weight-cutting scare quickly spread across social media, sparking concern among fans. Even after confirmation that the fight would go on this Saturday, some urged Ortega to pull out and prioritize his health. Ultimately, the featherweight contender seemed to acknowledge the outpouring, posting a short but heartfelt “Love you guys” on his Instagram stories.

At the end of the day, health comes first, and fans are still worried after seeing Brian Ortega look visibly weak during his face-off with Sterling. His condition has raised questions heading into fight night. That said, do you think Brian Ortega, stepping in as the underdog, will be able to take down Aljamain Sterling?