Brian Ortega has announced his withdrawal from his bout against Renato Moicano at UFC 326 due to ongoing injuries that require recovery and physical therapy. Ortega disclosed this news on Instagram, indicating that the fight was set to be his debut in the lightweight division, a transition he has planned for over a year but will have to delay until later in 2026.

Ortega said, “Obviously, the news is coming out that no longer am I fighting March 7 in Vegas. I’m OK. Health is good. No surgeries, nothing crazy like that, but I do need to take a little bit, some time off to nurse these injuries that I have right now. It just sucks.”
(This translation clarifies that Ortega has not undergone surgery but needs some time for healing.)

His last fight in the featherweight division was marred by weight-cutting issues, adding to his struggles to stay within that category’s limits.
UFC 326 is scheduled for March 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, featuring a headliner bout for the BMF title between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira.