In a highly anticipated showdown at UFC Shanghai, Aljamain Sterling delivered a dominant performance, winning a lopsided decision against a surprisingly passive Brian Ortega. This co-main event, originally scheduled as a featherweight bout, was changed to a catchweight fight at 153 pounds after Ortega struggled to make weight.

From the outset, it was clear that Ortega was not at his best, seemingly affected by his weight cut. Sterling took full advantage, unleashing an array of sharp jabs and powerful strikes, controlling the fight across all five rounds. The judges unanimously awarded Sterling the fight with a score of 50-45, marking his triumphant return after a previous defeat to Movsar Evloev.

"I think their game plan was to gas me out late," Sterling remarked post-fight. "I still felt a bit tired, but I wasn’t going to let that happen. I came here to win, not to get knocked out in China." He expressed his desire for another title shot, acknowledging the prowess of reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski.

Despite being grapplers by trade, both fighters relied heavily on striking throughout the match. Sterling's strategy revolved around his relentless jab and impactful leg kicks, keeping Ortega at bay. Ortega’s response was lackluster; he appeared overwhelmed and struggled to find his rhythm.

A moment of contention arose when Sterling landed a clean right hand that appeared to injure Ortega. Although Ortega signaled that he had been poked in the eye, replays confirmed the punch had landed cleanly. This brief pause allowed Ortega a chance to recover, but it did little to shift the momentum.

As the fight progressed, Ortega began showing some urgency in the third round, finally throwing kicks of his own, but he remained vulnerable to Sterling's faster strikes. Sterling's pinpoint accuracy and composure prevented Ortega from gaining the upper hand, as Sterling continued to exploit his opponent's shortcomings.

In a rare moment, Sterling achieved a takedown in the fourth round, showcasing his grappling prowess. He maintained control on the ground, delivering effective strikes while fending off Ortega’s submission attempts.

The final round saw Ortega land his best punch of the fight, a powerful right hand that momentarily rattled Sterling. However, any hope of a comeback was thwarted as Sterling expertly navigated the danger, eventually securing another takedown and finishing strong.

While the bout may not have been a thrilling spectacle, Sterling's tactical acumen was unmistakable. Meanwhile, Ortega's loss marks his fourth defeat in five fights, raising questions about his future in the featherweight division.