Brian Ortega Moves to Lightweight for a 2017 Rematch with Renato Moicano at UFC 331

Brian Ortega is finally done torturing himself on the scale to make featherweight. He is officially moving up to 155 pounds, and Renato Moicano is the guy waiting at the door to greet him for UFC 331.

According to MMA Junkie, this lightweight debut will double as a rematch from all the way back in 2017. In combat sports years, that might as well be the Paleozoic era. The sport, the division, and both of these guys have completely shape-shifted since they last shared a cage.

"Renato Moicano will welcome Brian Ortega to lightweight in a rematch from 2017 at #UFC331. - @MMAJunkie"

Ortega making the jump to lightweight is the real story here. The cut to 145 pounds has looked increasingly brutal for him over the years. Moving up is the classic veteran pivot to save the body, skip the sauna dehydration, and see if the chin holds up against bigger guys.

Moicano is the perfect, terrifying test for this experiment. He is an established lightweight who has zero interest in being a stepping stone for a guy testing out a new diet. If Ortega thinks losing the weight cut means an easy night at the office, Moicano is there to violently correct the record.

For anyone looking at the betting lines, this fight is a complete headache. You have to weigh Ortega's elite grappling pedigree against the reality of a brand-new weight class and a seven-year gap since their first meeting.

We will find out soon enough if the extra ten pounds translate to better cardio for Ortega, or if Moicano just uses his natural frame to bully the newcomer. Either way, UFC 331 just got a guaranteed banger.