Brian Ortega Explains Decision to Shave Head Prior to Weigh-ins

Since Brian Ortega had a full head of air earlier in fight week, the fact he showed up for the weigh-ins with his head shaved, apparently prompted speculation he may have had issues making weight. But, the featherweight’s reporting his decision to shave his head was all about raising money for a good cause.

Ortega explains why he shaved his head

Now, it may seem silly to think someone might shave their head as a means to make weight. But, as you can by looking at this video, Ortega did have quite a bit of hair when fight week began…

So, due to the fact Ortega showed up for Friday’s weigh-ins with his head shaved, and because it looked freshly shaved, it prompted speculation as to whether he had issues making 146 pounds.

But, while talking to UFC Arabia, Ortega reported he’s donating his hair to the Locks of Love charity, which is for children undergoing chemotherapy. (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“We have a camera and we documented the whole weight cut, showing how smooth it was going and everything, so people on the internet just like to say negative things right off the bat,” Ortega said.

“I was already gonna cut my hair after this fight.

I was gonna have it a little bit slicked back not shaved, but when I was cutting weight, I was talking to them, I was like listen, there’s people out there who are suffering daily versus just one day right now.

“For me, weight cut, we suffer one or two days then we’re good and we’re back to normal.

There’s people out there who have to lose their hair not by choice and to go through a lot of things and to me kids, obviously I love kids so I’m donating my hair to the kids who need it.”

Classy move

If you follow Ortega, you know that he’s supported and donated to causes before. So, his plan here shouldn’t be a surprise. In fact, he has his own “Brian Ortega Foundation“, which encourages “youth to find the strength to overcome challenging circumstances in their lives and be ready to inspire others to do the same.”

Ortega’s generosity aside, it will be interesting to see if he can get back on track against Chan Sung Jung. ‘T-City’ hasn’t fought since December, 2018, when he lost via doctor stoppage to now former featherweight champ, Max Holloway.

UFC Fight Island 6 is going down on Saturday on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.