URGENT UPDATE: Brian Ortega’s highly anticipated move to lightweight has been postponed yet again due to ongoing injuries. The former featherweight title contender, who boasts a record of 16-5, officially withdrew from his scheduled bout against Renato Moicano (record: 20-7-1) at UFC 326, set for March 7, 2024, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Ortega, 34 years old, announced the news on Instagram, emphasizing that while he is not facing any severe health issues or requiring surgery, he needs time to recover from nagging injuries. “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 some time off to nurse these injuries that I have right now.”
This marks another setback for Ortega, who has been eyeing a transition to the lightweight division for over a year. Unexpected opportunities in the featherweight category and now injuries have hindered this move. Earlier in 2024, he was forced to withdraw from a matchup against Diego Lopes due to medical complications during his weight cut. This prior cancellation led to a rescheduling of the Lopes fight, further complicating Ortega’s plans.
Despite these challenges, Ortega faced Aljamain Sterling in August of 2024, even after experiencing hospitalization related to his weight cut. Known for his resilience, Ortega has previously challenged for the featherweight title in 2018 and 2021 but was unsuccessful in both attempts.
As fans await news on a replacement for Moicano, the UFC has yet to confirm any updates on the fight card. The situation raises questions about Ortega’s future in the lightweight division and his timeline for recovery.
For now, fans are left hoping for a swift recovery as Ortega prepares to heal and return to the octagon. Stay tuned for the latest developments on this story.
