Ortega promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Days after the second cancellation of the rematch between Renato Moicano and Brian Ortega , the American came forward to explain the behind-the-scenes story of the injury that forced him to withdraw from the fight. In a terrible phase of his career, the former featherweight title challenger (up to 65,7 kg) was harshly criticized on social media by fans of the sport, who recalled other similar episodes. In this context, he spoke about the matter in a video posted on his official Instagram profile.
Initially, he appeared deeply bothered by allegations that he was afraid to face the Brazilian. Although the duel was scheduled as Ortega's first fight in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg), the two first faced each other in 2017, still in the featherweight division (up to 65,7 kg). On that occasion, the American won with a guillotine choke in the final round.
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"To all of you saying I gave up because I'm scared, that I'm running away, or anything like that: you're a bunch of idiots, period. I'm not even going to try to soften this bullshit. You're all imbeciles," he stated first.
Next, he addressed the people who had sent him the most affectionate messages. Ortega showed empathy for the dissatisfaction of many fans.
“To those of you who are angry because I gave up the fight—and who really wanted to see me fight, who are angry about the situation, angry because this shit happened—I’m very sorry and I apologize from the bottom of my heart. I’m so sorry. You can talk shit, I can take it. Seriously, I can take it. You have every right to feel this anger towards me. I hope you can forgive me; that you find in your hearts the understanding that, man, this is not what I wanted to happen. All I could do was face another training camp, sacrifice more time, work harder and train smarter. Thank you to those of you who are still with me; and, to those who are angry, I hope to win back your affection in the next fight, show who I really am and get back to doing what I do best,” he concluded.
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Renato Moicano reacted with irritation to the episode.
Mohawk at the UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Following the news, Moicano ended up being scheduled to face Tom Nolan , but on a new date, as part of the UFC 333 card, which takes place on October 24th. Aware of the difference between the opponents, the Brazilian lamented what happened in an interview with Canadian reporter Ariel Helwani.
“So I called Hunter and said, ‘I don’t want to fight anyone else on Saturday. Let’s try to find someone for UFC 333.’ He said, ‘ Tom Nolan .’ And I said, ‘Okay.’ I was upset. I thought Brian Ortega would be an easy fight, to be honest, an easy payday, money in my pocket. Tom Nolan will be more difficult, but it is what it is,” said the Brazilian.
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