Brian Ortega Responds to 'Ducking' Accusations After UFC 331 Withdrawal
Brian Ortega will not compete at UFC 331. He's calling out those accusing him of avoiding a fight with Renato Moicano.
Ortega was set to face Moicano at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Saturday. Ortega announced on social media that stitches needed for an eye injury forced him out of the bout. Following this announcement, some, including Moicano, criticized Ortega, suggesting he "chickened out."
Ortega has had enough of the criticism. He addressed the accusations of deliberately withdrawing from Saturday's fight via his Instagram account.
"To all of you saying I withdrew because I'm scared, that I'm ducking, you're just plain stupid," Ortega stated. "I won't soften that at all. You're all idiots. For those genuinely upset about me pulling out, who wanted to see me fight and are frustrated by this situation, I apologize. I'm truly sorry. This is not good. I didn't expect this. There have been times I hid injuries and still fought, putting on a show because you deserve it. You deserve to see me fight in my hometown of L.A. against a good opponent. But this? I can't hide this."
Ortega's last fight was in August 2025, where he lost a unanimous decision to former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. He hasn't secured a win since February 2024, and this latest setback extends his winless streak.
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