Brian Ortega has withdrawn from UFC 331 after suffering an eye injury during training just days before his highly anticipated fight with Renato Moicano. The former featherweight title challenger confirmed the setback after the UFC removed their lightweight bout from Saturday’s card. Ortega said the injury required stitches and described the withdrawal as a painful setback.The timing makes the news even more frustrating. Ortega had been preparing for his move to lightweight and was scheduled to fight Moicano in front of his hometown crowd in Los Angeles.
Brian Ortega Out of UFC 331 After Training Injury
Ortega entered fight week expecting to make his official lightweight debut against Moicano. Instead, a serious cut around his eye has forced him out of the matchup.The 35-year-old revealed that the injury required stitches and left significant swelling around his eye. He had already made weight for the contest and believed his training camp was one of the best of his career.
Ortega explained that he was especially disappointed because of the opportunity to compete at home. The Crypto.com Arena event was supposed to give him a chance to start a new chapter in the 155-pound division.Instead, another injury has interrupted his plans.
Ortega Says “This One Hurts” After Withdrawal
Ortega addressed the situation on social media after the UFC confirmed his withdrawal. He apologized to his supporters and explained that the stitches made it impossible for him to compete safely.The former title challenger also stressed that he was on weight and had completed a strong training camp. That made the late withdrawal particularly difficult because he appeared to be ready for the biggest change of his recent career.
Ortega said he was looking forward to fighting in Los Angeles with his family and supporters in attendance. He now plans to return to training and indicated that fans should expect to see him back in action in November.
The statement also suggested that Ortega is determined to continue working with a new group around him. He said changes had been made to his team and that he was excited to show a different version of himself when he returns.
Brian Ortega’s UFC 331 Withdrawal Changes the Card
Ortega’s exit means UFC 331 will no longer feature his rematch with Moicano. The bout was already a replacement for an earlier scheduled matchup after Ortega previously withdrew from the contest.
Their first meeting happened at UFC 214 in 2017. Ortega submitted Moicano with a guillotine choke in the third round, handing the Brazilian one of the early defeats of his career.
The rematch was expected to tell a very different story. Moicano has established himself as a lightweight contender, while Ortega was attempting to leave his difficult featherweight run behind.Instead, fans will have to wait even longer to see the two fighters meet again.
Renato Moicano Gets New Main Event
While Ortega’s withdrawal is a major blow for UFC 331, Moicano will not be left without a fight. The UFC has moved him to a new main event against rising lightweight Tom Nolan on October 31.
Moicano enters that matchup with a 21-7-1 record. Nolan, meanwhile, owns an 11-1 record and has emerged as one of the more promising names in the lightweight division.
The new matchup gives Moicano another opportunity to strengthen his position at 155 pounds. His standing in the division can also be viewed alongside the contenders listed in the latest UFC lightweight rankings.
For Moicano, the change means his preparation will continue rather than end with the cancellation. However, he now has a completely different opponent and a new date to prepare for.
UFC 331 Still Has a Major Main Event
Despite losing Ortega vs. Moicano, UFC 331 remains headlined by a championship rematch. Joshua Van will defend the UFC flyweight title against former champion Alexandre Pantoja on September 19 in Los Angeles.The co-main event features Arman Tsarukyan against Mauricio Ruffy in another important lightweight matchup. The winner could strengthen their case for a future title opportunity.
The cancellation has reduced the card to 12 fights, but several high-profile matchups remain. Gable Steveson vs. Sean Sharaf has also been moved into the main-card lineup following the late change.That means UFC 331 still has plenty of championship and divisional implications despite losing one of its most anticipated fights.
Ortega’s Move to Lightweight Must Wait
The withdrawal is particularly disappointing because Ortega was attempting to make a major career change. After years competing at featherweight, he was finally scheduled to compete at 155 pounds.Weight-cutting difficulties had become an important part of Ortega’s recent career. Moving to lightweight was expected to give him a fresh opportunity and potentially allow him to perform without the physical demands of repeatedly making 145 pounds.
The former featherweight title challenger currently has a 16-5-0 record. His most recent fight was a unanimous decision loss to Aljamain Sterling in August 2025, making the move to lightweight even more important for his career trajectory.A successful debut could have immediately changed the conversation around Ortega. Instead, he will have to wait longer before showing what he can do in the new division.
Another Setback for Ortega
The latest injury continues a frustrating stretch for Ortega. He has remained one of the UFC’s most recognizable featherweights, but activity and injuries have repeatedly disrupted his momentum.The Moicano fight was already supposed to be a fresh start. Ortega had previously withdrawn from their scheduled March meeting, meaning this was the second time the matchup had fallen apart because of circumstances surrounding the former title challenger.That makes the latest cancellation particularly difficult. Ortega had another opportunity to reset his career, but an injury during the final stages of camp has once again forced him to wait.Still, his latest statement suggests retirement is not under consideration. Ortega intends to return and has already pointed toward November as his target.
What Comes Next for Brian Ortega?
The immediate priority for Ortega is allowing the eye injury to heal properly. The stitches and swelling mean there is little reason to rush back before he is medically cleared.His eventual lightweight debut will still be an important moment. Ortega has spent years competing against elite featherweights, and a move to 155 pounds could provide the environment he needs for another run toward the top.The UFC has not yet announced Ortega’s next opponent or an official November date. Much will depend on his recovery and how quickly he can safely resume full training.For now, the focus is simply getting healthy and returning without another interruption.
Final Thoughts
The Brian Ortega UFC 331 withdrawal is a major late blow for both the fighter and the event. Ortega had spent months preparing for his lightweight debut and was ready to fight Renato Moicano in front of his home crowd before an eye injury forced him out.Moicano will now move on to a new main event against Tom Nolan, while UFC 331 continues with Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja 2 at the top of the card.For Ortega, the setback is another frustrating chapter in an injury-interrupted career. But his determination to return in November suggests the lightweight move is delayed rather than abandoned.
