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Brian Ortega withdraws from UFC 331 lightweight debut in Los Angeles

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 15, 2026, 7:00 AM

Last updated Sep 15, 2026

Brian Ortega withdraws from UFC 331 lightweight debut in Los Angeles

Summary

Brian Ortega has withdrawn from his scheduled UFC Lightweight debut against Renato Moicano at UFC 331, set for September 19, 2026, in Los Angeles. Ortega cited a need for stitches on his eyebrow as the reason for his withdrawal. He expressed disappointment, noting he was eager to fight in front of family and friends after a challenging period in his career. Ortega indicated he plans to return to training for a fight in November. Moicano will now face Tom Nolan in a Halloween main event.

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Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Ortega was excited for his fight in Los Angeles.
•He has struggled recently, losing four of his last five fights.
•Stitches forced Ortega to withdraw from UFC 331.
•Moicano will fight Tom Nolan instead.
•Ortega aims to return to the octagon in November.

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7:00 AMYahoo Sports — ‘This One Hurts’

What they're saying

"
Brian Ortega was supposed to make his long-awaited UFC Lightweight debut this weekend (Sat., Sept. 19, 2026) at UFC 331 in his home city of Los Angeles, California opposite former foe Renato Moicano. After a rough stretch in the last few years that saw him lose four of five fights and nearly die cutting weight, […]
— Yahoo Sports

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