Brian Ortega Delays His Lightweight Debut
Brian Ortega’s anticipated debut in the lightweight category is postponed again, according to the fighter himself. Ortega (16-5) withdraws from his scheduled 155-pound fight against Renato Moicano (20-7-1) at UFC 326 due to persistent injuries. The former featherweight champion made the announcement on Friday. Ortega, 34, has been considering a move to lightweight for over a year, but unexpected opportunities at 145 pounds and now injuries have prevented this from happening.Ortega revealed this via Instagram.Ortega first mentioned his move to lightweight in 2024, but ultimately accepted a matchup against Diego Lopes at UFC 303 in June of that year. He had to withdraw from that fight in fight week due to medical complications arising during his weight cut. The cancellation led to the UFC rescheduling the match against Lopes several months later. Ortega then faced Aljamain Sterling in a featherweight fight in August, even after being hospitalized during his weight cut. Ortega unsuccessfully competed for the featherweight title in 2018 and 2021. The UFC has not yet announced a replacement for Moicano. UFC 326 is scheduled for March 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.I’m doing well, my health is good, no surgeries or anything crazy like that. But I need to take some time off to take care of these injuries I have now.
Brian Ortega
