Brian Ortega shows cut that forced him out of UFC 331, teases new fight booked for November

Guilherme Cruz is a Brazilian journalist covering combat sports since 2008.

Brian Ortega once again withdrew from a fight with Renato Moicano in 2026, this time due to a cut over his left eye, and will no longer rematch the Brazilian at UFC 331 on Sept. 19.

Ortega, who pulled out of UFC 326 back in March citing injuries, posted photos and video of the cut that forced him out of the Los Angeles event this weekend.

“This one hurts,” Ortega wrote on social media. “I have to pull out of the fight because of the stitches in my eye. I’m on weight, I’ve been training my ass off, and this has honestly been one of the best camps I’ve ever had. I was really looking forward to fighting at home in Los Angeles in front of my family, friends, and everyone who’s been supporting me.”

Ortega hasn’t entered the cage since August 2025, when he lost a decision to Aljamain Sterling. On a two-fight losing skid now to Sterling and Diego Lopes, he indicated his next fight is already in the works for November.

“My next fight is in soon, so I’m getting right back to training,” Ortega wrote. “We’ve brought some new people into camp and I’m excited to show you guys a new side of me. Thank you to everyone who’s been supporting me through all of this. I’ll see you guys in November.”