TLDR
- Brian Ortega has withdrawn from his scheduled lightweight bout against Renato Moicano at UFC 326 on March 7
- Ortega announced the withdrawal via Instagram, citing lingering injuries that need rest and physical therapy but no surgery
- The fighter still hopes to compete twice in 2026 despite the setback
- Ortega is coming off two consecutive losses and has faced multiple setbacks in his move to lightweight
- The UFC is currently searching for a replacement opponent for Renato Moicano
Sources: Yardbarker | Get More Sports | MMA Junkie
Former featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega has withdrawn from his scheduled lightweight bout against Renato Moicano at UFC 326. The fight was set for March 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Ortega announced the news Friday via Instagram Stories, explaining that lingering injuries require time to heal. The 34-year-old fighter emphasized that the withdrawal is precautionary and does not involve serious medical issues.
“I’m OK, health is good, no surgeries or nothing crazy like that,” Ortega said in a video statement. “But I do need to take a little bit of some time off to nurse these injuries that I have right now.”
The fighter added that rest and physical therapy are his prescribed treatment. “It just sucks, where it’s not crazy like that where I need to have surgery, but I have to rest it and let it heal and chill, and get some physical therapy,” he said.
Despite the setback, Ortega remains optimistic about his 2026 fighting schedule. He stated that he still hopes to compete twice this year.
Brian Ortega Announces He's Out of UFC 326, Still Plans to Fight Twice in 2026 via @CagesideJay #MMA #UFC #UFC326 https://t.co/BRT8FBuHtH
— Cageside Press (@Cagesidepress) January 31, 2026
Troubled Lightweight Transition
This withdrawal marks another delay in Ortega’s long-planned move to the 155-pound division. The fighter has been discussing a move to lightweight for more than a year.
Ortega’s lightweight transition has been plagued by health issues. In August 2025, he experienced a serious health scare during his weight cut when he passed out for an extended period.
The UFC cleared him to compete despite the incident. He went on to face Aljamain Sterling at featherweight, losing by unanimous decision.
That loss was Ortega’s second consecutive defeat. He currently holds a 16-5 record overall and an 8-5 record in the UFC.
Ortega challenged for the featherweight title twice, in 2018 and 2021. Both attempts were unsuccessful.
Before the Sterling fight, Ortega was scheduled to face Diego Lopes at UFC 303 in June 2024. He was forced to withdraw from that matchup the week of the fight because of medical complications during his weight cut.
Moicano Awaits Replacement
Renato Moicano now needs a new opponent for UFC 326. The UFC is currently seeking a replacement fighter, though no substitute has been confirmed.
Moicano holds a 20-7-1 record overall and a 12-7 record in the UFC. The Brazilian fighter is coming off two consecutive losses.
He recently lost to Islam Makhachev and Beneil Dariush. The fight with Ortega was seen as an opportunity for Moicano to halt his losing streak.
UFC 326 has already been impacted by late changes to the card. The promotion faces pressure to secure a suitable replacement to maintain the event’s depth.
The event is scheduled for March 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The UFC has not announced any updates regarding Moicano’s status or potential replacement opponents.
