By Brian Ortega has publicly addressed his last-minute withdrawal from UFC 303, detailing the health and weight cut issues that led to his decision. Ortega, who stepped in on short notice for Conor McGregor, faced a significant weight cut challenge, starting at 178 pounds with the goal of making the 146-pound featherweight limit.
During fight week in Las Vegas, Ortega experienced what he initially thought were side effects of the weight cut. However, after struggling to drop below 151 pounds and discovering he had a fever, his body began to shut down. To avoid severe health risks, his fight weight was adjusted to 155 pounds.
Despite the adjustment, Ortega’s condition worsened, with cold sweats and an inability to retain food or water. After consulting with his team, he made the difficult decision to cancel the fight, prioritizing his health and the quality of his performance for fans and opponents.
Ortega also expressed his respect for Diego Lopes, who had prepared to face him at featherweight and then lightweight, only to end up with a different opponent. Lopes has shown interest in rescheduling the fight at featherweight, but it’s uncertain if the UFC will arrange the matchup. Ortega hinted at a future move to lightweight but did not confirm his next steps in the sport. He thanked his team, the UFC, and fans for their support during this challenging time.
