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Brian Ortega released a statement on Wednesday that explained his decision to withdraw just before his clash with Diego Lopes at UFC 303.
Ortega mentioned that he "felt off" during the week leading up to the fight and was also battling a fever.
"I could not keep any food or water down nor could I stand up to use the restroom," the statement said. "I struggled with my own ego, got on a call with Tiki and Hunter, and I made the decision to call off the fight. I dared to do something crazy for the love of fighting, but I got sick and my body gave out on me.