Moicano On Ortega Pullout: 'Easiest Fight In Division'

Renato Moicano lost the easiest payday in the featherweight division when Brian Ortega withdrew from UFC 331 last week with a cut above his eye.

The bout, scheduled for September 19 in Los Angeles, marked the second time Ortega pulled out of a fight against Moicano. The first cancellation came in March 2026, when Ortega cited undisclosed injuries ahead of UFC 326. According to MMA Mania, Moicano posted a lengthy video rant on his YouTube channel after learning of the withdrawal.

"The easiest fight in the division just slipped through my fingers and I'm already pissed," Moicano said in Portuguese, per the report. He questioned why Ortega, who fights out of Los Angeles and has dropped three straight, would pull out of a home bout with a week's notice. "This is in Los Angeles, his home. This guy is coming off three straight losses. He hasn't fought in over two years."

Moicano referenced Ortega's recent interview remarks about personal struggles, then dismissed them. "I'm 37, I'm bald, I want to make easy money," he said. "I want to put easy money in my pocket. That's the truth."

The UFC moved Moicano to a Halloween main event at the Apex against Tom Nolan, a 26-year-old on a five-fight win streak. The switch dropped Moicano from a major card to a streaming-only show.