URGENT UPDATE: Brian Ortega’s highly anticipated move to the lightweight division has been postponed once again due to ongoing injuries. The former featherweight title challenger, with a record of 16-5, announced his withdrawal from the upcoming bout against Renato Moicano (20-7-1) at UFC 326, scheduled for March 7, 2024, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Ortega, 34, revealed the news via Instagram, stating that while he is not facing any major medical issues, he needs to take time off to recover. “I’m OK, health is good, no surgeries or nothing crazy like that,” he confirmed. “But I do need to take a little bit of some time off to nurse these injuries that I have right now.”
This latest setback marks another hurdle in Ortega’s long-discussed transition to lightweight, a move he has contemplated for over a year. Despite his plans, unexpected opportunities at featherweight and now injuries have continually delayed his ascent. Earlier attempts to shift divisions included a matchup against Diego Lopes at UFC 303 in June 2023, which Ortega had to withdraw from due to complications during his weight cut.
The UFC has not yet announced a replacement for Moicano in the upcoming fight card, leaving fans eager for updates. Ortega’s last fight saw him facing Aljamain Sterling in August, a bout he took on despite being hospitalized during his weight cut for that match.
As the MMA community awaits further news, the implications of Ortega’s injuries resonate deeply, affecting not only his career trajectory but also the lightweight division landscape. Fans and analysts alike are left wondering when Ortega will finally make his long-awaited debut at 155 pounds.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
