‘My body gave up’

Brian Ortega was scheduled to compete at UFC 303 this past weekend, until four hours before his co-main event bout with Diego Lopes. Brian Ortega’s withdrawal due to illness led to one of the most lackadaisical substitutions in Octagon history. Now, we have an explanation.

Ortega, who was set to face Brazilian favorite Lopes in a co-headliner, was forced to withdraw from his bout due to illness after previously forcing a fight prior to the weigh-in.

And now that the duo has made the limit for the fight, everything seemed to be in place for their UFC 303 bout. With just 4 hours to go before the Octagon was set to close behind them, Brian Ortega was forced to withdraw from the bout due to illness.

Brian Ortega Gives Statement After Departing UFC 303 Return

He was replaced by perennial contender Dan Ige, who gave his opinion backstage before taking on Lopes in a competitive fight, eventually losing a decision.

Brian Ortega, who has plans to make a jump to lightweight before his fight with Lopes is canceled, has shared a statement regarding his departure from UFC 303, indicating that his body simply failed him before he could compete again.

I feel much better, thanks for all the love. The week of the fight I didn’t feel good and I thought it was just the after effects of the cut. I was 178 pounds when I took this fight with 15 days notice. Thursday night after 7 hours straight I couldn’t break 151 pounds.”

“I later found out that I had a fever and that I couldn’t make the last 5 pounds because my body was shutting down. Rather than risking huge health consequences and possibly canceling the competition, we were fortunately able to move the weight up to 155. At the weigh-in, I still didn’t feel well, but I was sure it would go away after I rehydrated and ate.

Later that night I still felt unwell and had cold sweats and no sleep. I finally fell asleep at 6am on Saturday morning and woke up at 1pm hoping to feel better. I couldn’t keep any food or water down and I couldn’t get up to go to the bathroom.

“I struggled with my own ego, called Tiki and Hunter and decided to call the fight off. I dared to do something crazy for the love of fighting, but I got sick and my body gave out. I want to give the fans and my opponents my best performance every time I step into the cage.”

“Diego Lopes, I can only imagine what happened on your end, you have nothing but my respect and I will talk to Hunter and Tiki and make this right. To the UFC, Dana, Hunter and the fans, thank you for supporting me.”

Brian Ortega, who is motivated to make his eventual comeback at lightweight, has been linked with a big debut in the division against former champion Charles Oliveira, who confirmed he himself would also return in August.

Who would you like to see Brian Ortega fight in a lightweight fight?