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.
Fresh materials — UFC News
Joe Rogan Urges Sean Sharaf to Consider Retirement After Major UFC Upset
Sean Sharaf, a heavyweight in the UFC, secured a massive upset at UFC 331 last month. Mere seconds into his bout against Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson, Sharaf delivered a knockout, marking Steveson's first professional MMA defeat. This outcome surprised many, as Stev
Joshua Perreira Predicts Hook-Led Finish of Antonio Cesar
Joshua Perreira, whose six professional wins all concluded before the final bell, plans to maintain this streak against Antonio Cesar. He envisions the finish beginning with a hook against the ropes. The two will meet in a flyweight MMA bout at ONE Fight Night 48 on Prime Video
George Jarvis's Strategic Comeback for Regian Eersel Rematch
George Jarvis intentionally avoided an immediate rematch with Regian Eersel. Instead, he dedicated a year to rebuilding his strength and skill. His path back to the title involved facing two fighters who had previously challenged Eersel. Jarvis is set to challenge Regian “The I
Josh Hokit Responds to Dana White's Doubts About His UFC Title Potential
UFC heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit has reacted to UFC CEO Dana White's expressed reservations about him winning a championship. Hokit is scheduled to face Ciryl Gane for the undisputed heavyweight title at UFC 334 in November, following Tom Aspinall's relinquishment of the belt. Hokit
Wang Cong: Natalia Silva Is The Toughest Opponent I've Faced
Wang Cong aims to make a significant mark at UFC 332. She faces Natalia Silva in the main event in Utah for the vacant women's flyweight championship. Valentina Shevchenko relinquished the belt due to injury, paving the way for Cong and Silva to compete for it. Despite
UFC Analyst Urges Raoni Barcelos to Retire After Devastating KO
A prominent UFC analyst suggests Raoni Barcelos should consider leaving mixed martial arts following a concerning incident in the Octagon at UFC Vegas 121. Barcelos, a bantamweight veteran, experienced a harrowing knockout loss last Saturday. The fight against Raul Rosas Jr. at UFC Vegas 121,