Brian Ortega Apologizes for UFC 331 Withdrawal; Renato Moicano Blasts Him
Published · Updated
Cited: MMA Fighting, UFC.com, Yahoo Sports
TL;DR
Brian Ortega apologized for pulling out of UFC 331 due to a training cut. Renato Moicano blasted him for ruining an easy paycheck, and UFC rescheduled Moicano to fight Tom Nolan.
Why now
The withdrawal happened less than a week before UFC 331, reigniting concerns about Ortega’s reliability and mental state after multiple recent losses.
Agree / conflict
Ortega’s apology shows accountability, but Moicano’s harsh criticism reflects a genuine frustration in the MMA community over repeated cancellations.
Takeaway
Fighters on a losing streak should be mindful of training intensity close to fights; promoters may be hesitant to book high-profile matchups with athletes who have a history of pullouts.
Brian Ortega’s withdrawal from UFC 331 came after a cut over his eye in jiu-jitsu training. He apologized on social media, acknowledging fans' anger. Moicano, his opponent, voiced frustration on the Ariel Helwani Show, saying Ortega is in a bad place mentally and that the fight was an easy paycheck for him. UFC moved Moicano to a new main event against Tom Nolan in October. Ortega’s recent record of 1-4 in his last five fights adds context to the situation, with many questioning his future in the sport.
FAQ
Why did Brian Ortega pull out of UFC 331?
He suffered a cut over his left eyebrow during a jiu-jitsu training session that required stitches, just days before the fight.
How did Renato Moicano react?
Moicano criticized Ortega on the Ariel Helwani Show, calling the withdrawal unprofessional and claiming Ortega is in a bad mental place. He also warned other fighters about facing Ortega.
What happened to Moicano's fight?
Moicano was rescheduled to headline UFC Vegas 123 on October 31 against Tom Nolan.
Has Ortega withdrawn from a fight with Moicano before?
Yes, this is the second time in 2026 that Ortega has withdrawn from a fight with Moicano. They were previously booked at UFC 326 in March.
What is Ortega recent record?
Ortega has lost four of his last five fights, including a unanimous decision loss to Aljamain Sterling at UFC Shanghai in August 2025.
Sources
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