URGENT UPDATE: Brian Ortega’s highly anticipated move to the lightweight division has been postponed once more due to nagging injuries. The former featherweight title challenger, aged 34, announced his withdrawal from the scheduled bout against Renato Moicano (record: 20-7-1) at UFC 326, set for March 7, 2024, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
In a candid Instagram post, Ortega (record: 16-5) reassured fans, stating, “I’m OK, health is good, no surgeries or nothing crazy like that. But I do need to take a little bit of some time off to nurse these injuries.” Ortega emphasized that, while his condition is not severe enough to require surgery, he must focus on healing and physical therapy.
This setback follows over a year of discussions about Ortega’s transition to the lightweight class. Previously, unexpected opportunities at featherweight and now these injuries have thwarted his plans. Ortega had initially intended to debut at lightweight in 2024 but opted to face Diego Lopes at UFC 303 in June instead. Unfortunately, he was forced to withdraw from that fight just a week prior due to complications during his weight cut, leading to a rebooking of the matchup.
Ortega’s dedication to the sport has been evident; he even competed against Aljamain Sterling in August, despite being hospitalized during his weight cut. The fighter previously challenged for the featherweight title in 2018 and 2021, making this latest injury all the more frustrating for him and his fans.
As of now, the UFC has not announced a replacement for Moicano, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further updates. With the fight card for UFC 326 still taking shape, all eyes will be on how the organization responds to this latest development.
Ortega’s resilience and commitment to recovery are paramount as he continues to navigate these challenges. Fans and followers are encouraged to stay tuned for more updates on his journey and potential return to the octagon.
