UPDATE: Brian Ortega’s highly anticipated move to the lightweight division has been postponed due to injury. The former featherweight title challenger announced today that he is withdrawing from his scheduled bout against Renato Moicano at UFC 326, set for March 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Ortega, 34, revealed the news on Instagram, citing persistent injuries that require him to take time off for recovery. “I’m OK, health is good, no surgeries or nothing crazy like that,” he stated. “But I do need to take a little bit of time off to nurse these injuries that I have right now.” This latest setback marks another delay in Ortega’s long-discussed transition to lightweight, a move he has contemplated for over a year.
The fighter’s journey has been plagued by complications. Ortega was originally set to face Diego Lopes at UFC 303 in June 2024, but was forced to withdraw due to medical issues arising during his weight cut. The cancellation led to a rebooking of that matchup, demonstrating the challenges he has faced in making the transition.
After his unsuccessful title challenges in 2018 and 2021, Ortega was eager to shift his focus to the 155-pound division. However, unexpected opportunities at featherweight and now injuries have stalled his plans. Just last August, Ortega faced Aljamain Sterling in a featherweight bout, even after experiencing hospitalization during his weight cut.
As of now, the UFC has not announced a replacement for Moicano, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further developments. Ortega’s fans and the MMA community will be watching closely as he prioritizes his recovery. His commitment to health underscores the importance of athlete well-being in the high-stakes environment of professional fighting.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
