UFC Fight Night: Brian Ortega vs Aljamain Sterling – Preview and Prediction

A big-time featherweight main event is set for UFC Fight Night on August 23, as Brian Ortega welcomes Aljamain Sterling to the 145-pound division. With both men eager to make a statement, this clash could shake up the title picture.

Tale of the Tape

Fighter	Brian Ortega	Aljamain Sterling
Record	15-3 (1 NC)	23-4
Age	33	35
Height	5’8″	5’7″
Reach	69″	71″
Fighting Style	BJJ, Boxing	Wrestling, BJJ
Notable Wins	Yair Rodríguez, Moicano	Petr Yan, Cory Sandhagen

Sterling Looks to Reclaim Momentum

Aljamain Sterling, the former UFC bantamweight champion, moves up to featherweight after a dominant run at 135 pounds. Known for his grappling-heavy style, Sterling relies on strong wrestling, back control, and relentless pace. But after losing his title to Sean O’Malley, Sterling now faces bigger and stronger opponents—and Ortega is no easy welcome. The “Funk Master” will need to use his speed, angles, and volume striking to keep Ortega off balance. His gas tank and fight IQ give him a strong foundation in a new division, but it remains to be seen how his style translates at featherweight.

SHOP: The Kickboxer Collection

Ortega Aims to Stop the Newcomer

Brian Ortega has faced the best of the best at 145. After time off due to injury, he returned with a slick submission win over Yair Rodríguez, proving he’s still a top contender. While Ortega can take punishment, his jiu-jitsu game is always live. Whether on top or off his back, he poses real threats. If Ortega can survive the early pace and drag Sterling into deeper waters, one mistake could end the fight.

Prediction

Sterling may control the fight early with pressure and volume, but Ortega’s submission game and featherweight experience give him the edge in tight moments.
Pick: Brian Ortega by submission (Round 3)