Brian Ortega responds to backlash over pulling out of UFC 331: ‘You guys, rightfully so, have earned that anger towards me’

Brian Ortega has addressed the backlash after withdrawing from his UFC 331 lightweight debut against Renato Moicano due to a cut requiring stitches. This marks the second time Ortega has pulled out of a fight with Moicano—he previously withdrew from their scheduled UFC 326 bout—generating significant online criticism. In a detailed social media response, Ortega distinguished between those accusing him of ducking (whom he dismissed harshly) and fans genuinely upset about missing his hometown performance in Los Angeles. He explained that a jiu-jitsu session the day before the fight resulted in an accidental headbutt causing a substantial laceration he could not conceal from the California Athletic Commission, despite initially hoping to proceed. Ortega emphasized his commitment to fans and the sport, acknowledging their justified frustration while explaining the injury was a freak accident during light training, not sparring. The two-time featherweight title challenger has endured a difficult stretch, losing four of his last five bouts and experiencing weight-related complications before fights. His most recent loss came via unanimous decision to Aljamain Sterling at UFC Shanghai in August 2025. Ortega pledged to return and prove himself in his next opportunity, asking fans for forgiveness.