Published On: Sun, Dec 21st, 2025

Renato Moicano vs. Brian Ortega 2 at UFC 326: What you need to know

Renato Moicano vs. Brian Ortega, UFC 326 What You Need To Know

The UFC recently announced a matchup at UFC 326 between Renato Moicano and Brian Ortega. Here's what you need to know ahead of the rematch.

Renato Moicano vs. Brian Ortega 2

July 29, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Brian Ortega applies a hold against Renato Moicano during UFC 214 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

  • Records: Moicano (20-7-1 MMA, 12-7 UFC), Ortega (16-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC)
  • Division: Lightweight
  • Rankings: Moicano No. 14 lightweight, Ortega No. 12 featherweight (MMA Junkie); Moicano No. 10 lightweight, Ortega No. 9 featherweight (UFC) 

What's at stake for Moicano

Apr 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Renato Moicano (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Jalin Turner (not pictured) during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Moicano will be after vengeance. He lost by third-round guillotine to Ortega at UFC 214 in 2017 – the first setback of his career. Moicano got a one-day-notice title shot against Islam Makhachev in January, but was submitted in the first round. After that, he lost to Beneil Dariush in June for his first skid in six years.

What's at stake for Ortega

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 14: Brian Ortega of the United States looks on after being defeated b Diego Lopes of Brazil during UFC 306: Riyadh Season Noche at Sphere on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

More than eight years ago, Ortega hooked up with Moicano at UFC 214 when both were unbeaten. Ortega finished the Brazilian with a guillotine choke midway through the final round in a Fight of the Night winner on his way to an eventual title shot. These days, it’s much rougher sledding. Ortega has dropped four of his past five fights starting with a featherweight title shot against Alexander Volkanovski. He’ll be more than two years without a win when he steps in against Moicano.

Statistically speaking

Of his 11 stoppage wins, Ortega has eight by submission. Moicano has 10 of his 12 stoppage wins by submission, but he hasn’t gotten a post-fight bonus in more than seven years. 

Make your pick

Screening room

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Renato Moicano vs. Brian Ortega 2 at UFC 326: What you need to know

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