Overview
- Ortega pulled out of his scheduled rematch with Renato Moicano for the UFC 331 card after suffering a cut over his left eyebrow that needed stitches and could not be concealed for commission inspection.
- He posted a social-media video apologizing to fans, calling the injury a “freak accident” from jiu-jitsu, rejecting claims he was avoiding the fight, and acknowledging that supporters’ anger was justified.
- The UFC removed Moicano from UFC 331 and rebooked him to headline an Oct. 31 event in Las Vegas against Tom Nolan.
- The canceled bout would have been Ortega’s official UFC lightweight debut and a hometown Los Angeles appearance, and it comes after a difficult stretch that includes four losses in five fights and past weight issues.
- Athletic commission medical rules that bar fighters with visible, recently stitched cuts from competing forced the withdrawal, the UFC will reshuffle affected cards, and Ortega says he plans to resume training with the aim of returning soon.