Brian Ortega won't be taking to the Octagon in March.
The lightweight fighter confirmed through a social media video message on Friday that he is pulling out of UFC 326 due to lingering injuries.
"I'm OK. Health is good. No surgeries, nothing crazy like that," he said. "But I do need to take some time off to nurse these injuries that I have right now."
Ortega was scheduled to square off against Renato Moicano at the event in Las Vegas on March 7.
The last time Ortega fought came in a loss by unanimous decision to Aljamain Sterling at a Fight Night event in August. After the defeat, Ortega shared details of how he fell unconscious in an attempt to cut weight before the fight.
It's unclear if that event contributed to Friday's announcement.
"I have to rest it and let it heal and chill and do some physical therapy," Ortega continued in his video. "So, I'm going be on that mission... It's just a little bit delayed. I'm still planning on fighting twice this year, so look out."
Ortega was looking to snap a two-fight skid against Moicano in March and improve his 8-5 record with the promotion.
For his part, Moicano will also try to shake back-to-back defeats at the event, where he is expected to receive a new opponent.
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