UPDATE: Brian Ortega’s anticipated move to lightweight has been officially postponed once more due to ongoing injuries. The former featherweight title challenger, with a record of 16-5, announced today that he has withdrawn from his bout against Renato Moicano (record 20-7-1) at UFC 326, scheduled for March 7, 2024, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
In a statement on Instagram, Ortega, 34, expressed his disappointment, 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 that I have right now.” This marks yet another setback for Ortega, who has been vocal about his desire to compete at lightweight for over a year.
Ortega’s journey to the lightweight division has been fraught with complications. He initially aimed to transition to 155 pounds in 2024, but unexpected opportunities in the featherweight category, coupled with injuries, derailed his plans. Earlier this year, Ortega was forced to withdraw from a matchup against Diego Lopes just a week before the fight due to medical issues that arose during his weight cut. The UFC later rescheduled that bout.
Adding to the urgency, Ortega faced Aljamain Sterling in August, even after experiencing hospitalization during a weight cut. This string of health issues has raised questions about his future in the sport and his ability to make a successful transition to a new weight class.
As of now, the UFC has yet to announce a replacement for Moicano for the March event. Fans and analysts are keenly watching as Ortega navigates this challenging period in his career, hoping for a swift recovery and a potential return to the octagon.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The implications of Ortega’s health on his career trajectory remain significant, and all eyes will be on his progress in the coming weeks.
