Brian Ortega Withdraws from UFC Busan Headlining Bout vs. ‘Korean Zombie’

Brian Ortega won’t be competing at all in 2019, as the former featherweight title challenger has withdrawn from a proposed clash against Chan Sung Jung at UFC Fight Night 165.

ESPN was first to report the news on Wednesday evening. The nature of Ortega’s injury was not disclosed, but the ailment is expected to sideline him for two to three months. According to the report, the promotion is working to find a replacement opponent for “The Korean Zombie.”

UFC Fight Night 165 takes place at Sajik Arena in Busan, South Korea and also features a pivotal light heavyweight clash pitting Volkan Oezdemir against Aleksandar Rakic.

Ortega last appeared at UFC 231 in December 2018, when he suffered a fourth-round TKO loss to Max Holloway in a featherweight championship bout. “T-City” began his pro career with a 14 victories and one no contest, a stretch that includes notable wins over the likes of Frankie Edgar, Cub Swanson, Renato Carneiro and Clay Guida.