Brian Ortega Apologizes for Pulling Out of UFC 331 Fight

Brian Ortega addressed the backlash from fans after withdrawing from his UFC 331 bout against Renato Moicano, saying he understands why people are angry with him.

Ortega was set to make his official UFC lightweight debut against Moicano this Saturday before pulling out earlier in the week with a cut over his left eyebrow that required stitches. It's the second time in 2025 this specific matchup has fallen apart, after Ortega also withdrew from a scheduled fight with Moicano at UFC 326. That history fueled fan accusations that Ortega was ducking the fight, and he used social media on Tuesday to push back on that idea while also owning the frustration around a second cancellation.

What Did Brian Ortega Say About Pulling Out?

Ortega drew a hard line between fans questioning his heart and fans who were simply upset the fight fell through again. He dismissed anyone suggesting he was scared or avoiding Moicano, calling that idea from "stupid people among stupid people." But to fans who just wanted to see him compete, he was contrite, saying, "I'm sorry, and I apologize from the bottom of my heart."

Ortega said the injury happened during a jiu-jitsu session in camp, not sparring, when a headbutt opened the cut. He described it as initially appearing minor before the severity became clear once stitches were needed. According to Ortega, hiding the injury from the California State Athletic Commission was never realistic. He said, "I can't wear glasses when they're checking me; there's no makeup that's going to hide how swollen my eye and everything is."

He also pushed back on the idea that he wanted out of the fight, saying his team advised against competing but that he was prepared to go anyway before accepting the commission would not clear him.

What This Means for Ortega's Standing With Fans and Matchmakers

A second withdrawal from the same opponent in one calendar year is the kind of pattern that erodes trust with a fan base and makes matchmakers hesitant to lean on a fighter for a marquee slot. Ortega, a two-time featherweight title challenger, has lost four of his last five fights, most recently a unanimous decision to Aljamain Sterling at UFC Shanghai in August. His lightweight move was supposed to be a reset, and instead it is now on hold for a second time against the same opponent.

For bettors, repeated pullouts like this tend to have a lingering effect even beyond the fight itself. Books and sharp bettors will treat any future Ortega booking with more caution, factoring in durability and camp reliability when setting opening numbers, and oddsmakers typically build in a wider margin until a fighter proves he can consistently make it to fight night healthy.

Ortega closed his statement by asking fans for patience, saying he hopes to "gain your love back on the next one" and show what he can do once healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Brian Ortega pull out of UFC 331?

Brian Ortega withdrew from his UFC 331 fight against Renato Moicano after suffering a cut over his left eyebrow that required stitches during a jiu-jitsu session in training.

Has Brian Ortega pulled out of a fight with Renato Moicano before?

Yes, this is the second time in 2025 that Brian Ortega has withdrawn from a scheduled bout with Renato Moicano, having also pulled out of their fight at UFC 326.

What was Brian Ortega's last UFC fight?

Brian Ortega's most recent fight was a unanimous decision loss to Aljamain Sterling at UFC Shanghai in August 2025.