Brian Ortega Responds to Fan Backlash After Pulling Out of UFC 331

Brian Ortega took to social media on Tuesday to address the backlash following his withdrawal from UFC 331, where he was scheduled to make his official lightweight debut against Renato Moicano this Saturday. Ortega was forced to pull out earlier this week after suffering a cut over his left eyebrow during training that required stitches.

The cancellation marks the second time this year that Ortega has withdrawn from a scheduled matchup against Moicano, following a previous cancellation at UFC 326. Acknowledging the disappointment from supporters, Ortega admitted that fans had every right to be angry with the situation, though he explained that the severe swelling and cut made it impossible to clear athletic commission medical inspections.

Ortega described the incident as a freak accident that occurred while practicing jiu-jitsu. Expressing his regret over missing the opportunity to compete in his hometown of Los Angeles, the fighter asked fans for their forgiveness as he looks toward entering another training camp once healed.