Renato Moicano vs. Brian Ortega rematch targeted for UFC 331

Brian Ortega is set to make his long-awaited lightweight debut at UFC 331, facing Renato Moicano in a rematch of their 2017 featherweight encounter. The bout is targeted for September 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, according to MMA Fighting's confirmation of the pairing.

Ortega, a two-time featherweight title challenger, has endured a frustrating stretch marked by weight-cutting complications that have derailed his recent career trajectory. He withdrew from a UFC 326 matchup with Moicano in March and subsequently missed weight for his catch-weight bout against Aljamain Sterling at UFC Shanghai. Earlier, he pulled out of a scheduled fight with Diego Lopes at UFC 303 before the two eventually squared off at UFC 306. These weight issues have coincided with losses in both of his recent outings, prompting the move to 155 pounds.

Moicano, currently ranked No. 10 in the UFC lightweight division, has thrived since leaving featherweight in 2020. The Brazilian holds an 8-4 record at lightweight, including a title shot against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311. Though he lost that short-notice opportunity and a subsequent fight to Beneil Dariush, Moicano rebounded impressively with a submission victory over rising prospect Chris Duncan at UFC Vegas 115 in April. He and Ortega last fought in 2017 at UFC 214, when Moicano tapped out by submission.

The main and co-main events for UFC 331 have yet to be announced.