URGENT UPDATE: Brian Ortega’s highly anticipated move to the lightweight division has been postponed yet again due to injuries. The former featherweight title challenger, with a record of 16-5, announced his withdrawal from the scheduled bout against Renato Moicano (record 20-7-1) at UFC 326, set for March 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The announcement came just hours ago, adding to Ortega’s ongoing struggles with injuries that have delayed his transition to the 155-pound weight class. “I’m OK, health is good, no surgeries or nothing crazy like that,” Ortega stated on Instagram. However, he emphasized the need for time off to properly heal and undergo physical therapy for his current injuries.
This setback marks another chapter in Ortega’s journey to lightweight, a move he has been contemplating for over a year. Despite plans to compete at lightweight, unexpected opportunities at featherweight and medical issues have hindered his progress. Ortega previously withdrew from a matchup against Diego Lopes at UFC 303 in June 2024 due to complications during his weight cut.
Ortega’s last fight saw him face Aljamain Sterling in August, even after experiencing hospitalization during his weight cut. The fighter, now 34 years old, has faced significant challenges in his career, including two unsuccessful title challenges in 2018 and 2021.
As of now, the UFC has not announced a replacement for Moicano, leaving fans eager for updates on this developing situation. With UFC 326 just weeks away, all eyes are on Ortega as he navigates this critical juncture in his career.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story evolves.
