Published 25 days ago
Brian Ortega reveals the details of his jiu-jitsu injury and owns up to his controversial absence at UFC 331
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Brian Ortega acknowledged the fans' legitimate frustration after withdrawing from UFC 331 due to a cut above the eyebrow sustained during jiu-jitsu training. With four losses in his last five fights, including one against Aljamain Sterling in August 2025, this absence risks worsening his position in the featherweight division.
To remember:
- Brian Ortega owns up to his UFC 331 withdrawal and acknowledges the fans' legitimate anger.
- A cut above the eyebrow, requiring stitches, forced him to pull out.
- Four losses in his last five fights make his next challenge crucial for his future.
Brian Ortega, one of the UFC's most charismatic fighters, has broken his silence after withdrawing from UFC 331, where he was set to face Renato Moicano. In a message posted on Tuesday, the Californian fully acknowledged the fans' frustration, stating: "You're right to be mad at me". A sentence that sums up the scale of the disappointment caused by this absence, the second of the year for Ortega against the Brazilian.
The reason for this withdrawal? A cut above the eyebrow sustained during a jiu-jitsu training session, with no violent contact. A deep gash, requiring several stitches, made his participation impossible under the strict rules of the California Athletic Commission. Unbelievable but true, this injury highlights the unpredictable risks of combat sports, even during technical warm-ups.
A Rocky Road
With four losses in his last five fights, including a crushing defeat against Aljamain Sterling in August 2025, Brian Ortega is going through a tough period. His next challenge is therefore crucial: not only to regain the fans' trust but also to avoid a rapid decline in the featherweight division. The bookmakers, already skeptical, are waiting for a strong sign from him.
This injury comes at the worst possible time. After months of intense preparation, Ortega was supposed to prove he could bounce back from his loss to Sterling. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. The question now is whether this setback will be temporary or if it will mark a turning point in his career.
Between injuries and losses, Brian Ortega must now rebuild. His next fight will be under the microscope, both from fans and observers. One question remains: can he turn things around before it's too late?