Brian Ortega is out, but what does it mean for UFC 331? The big changes explained

UFC 331 suffered a major setback just days before the event after Brian Ortega was forced to withdraw from his scheduled fight against Renato Moicano. The former title challenger was due to compete at lightweight in a rematch of their 2017 featherweight meeting. His withdrawal means another anticipated fight has fallen off the Los Angeles card.The UFC is still set for a major main event, with Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja preparing to meet again for the flyweight title. Dana White will also award an extra $50,000 bonus at UFC 331. Meanwhile, Ortega has confirmed that he hopes to return in November after suffering an injury around his right eye.Brian Ortega’s withdrawal leaves UFC 331 with a major changeFans became concerned about Brian Ortega after footage appeared to show him covering an injury around his right eye. The UFC later confirmed that the 35-year-old would not compete at this weekend’s event.Ortega was scheduled to face Renato Moicano in a lightweight rematch. The two fighters first met in 2017 at featherweight. Moicano won that contest by unanimous decision.The latest cancellation is another frustrating moment for Ortega. The fight had already been canceled earlier this year. He was hoping to finally make the matchup happen in front of his home crowd in Los Angeles.Ortega later addressed the situation on Instagram. He revealed that stitches around his eye were the reason behind his withdrawal.“This one hurts. I have to pull out of the fight because of the stitches in my eye. I’m on weight, I’ve been training my a– off, and this has honestly been one of the best camps I’ve ever had. I was really looking forward to fighting at home in Los Angeles in front of my family, friends, and everyone who’s been supporting me”, Ortega wrote on Instagram.Ortega also shared photos showing the injury above his eye. Despite the disappointment, he indicated that he does not expect a long break.The former featherweight title challenger said he is already planning his return, “I’ll see you guys in November”.That could give Ortega a quick opportunity to move past the latest setback. However, his opponent for that planned return has not been confirmed.Moicano, meanwhile, will not have to wait long for his next fight. He has already been booked to headline UFC Vegas 123 on October 31. His opponent will be Australian lightweight Tom Nolan.Despite Ortega’s withdrawal, UFC 331 still has a major attraction at the top of the card. Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja are set to renew their rivalry in the flyweight division.The promotion is also adding an extra $50,000 bonus for the event. That gives fighters another chance to earn a significant reward on a night already carrying plenty of attention.For Ortega, however, the focus will now be on recovery. His message suggests he wants to return as soon as possible and put this disappointing withdrawal behind him.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.