Ortega Out Of UFC 331, Moicano Rebooked

Brian Ortega has pulled out of his scheduled lightweight bout against Renato Moicano at UFC 331 this weekend due to injury, the UFC announced. The withdrawal scrapped a long-awaited rematch eight years after Ortega submitted Moicano at UFC 214 in a Fight of the Night performance.

Moicano, who was coming off a submission win over Chris Duncan, will now headline UFC Vegas 123 on October 31 against 11th-ranked Tom Nolan at the Apex facility in Las Vegas. The Brazilian enters his fourth UFC main event looking to extend his momentum against the Australian, who carries a five-fight win streak into the bout.

The injury marks another setback for Ortega, who has not competed since dropping a decision to Aljamain Sterling last August. The 34-year-old has dropped four of his last five fights and now faces an uncertain timeline for his return to the lightweight division.

Per the UFC's press release, Moicano will face the surging Nolan as both lightweights look to climb toward title contention. Nolan, ranked 14th in the division, represents a significant opportunity for Moicano to secure a signature stoppage victory and remain in the top-ten conversation.

With the Ortega-Moicano fight scrapped, UFC 331 proceeds Saturday headlined by Joshua Van defending his flyweight title against Alexandre Pantoja in a rematch. The card also features Arman Tsarukyan facing Mauricio Ruffy and Bellator legend Patricio Pitbull making his UFC debut against Doo Ho Choi.