The UFC’s return event to Abu Dhabi has taken a huge hit as the scheduled co-main event has been canceled.
On July 26, the premier promotion is set to return to Abu Dhabi for another incredible Fight Night event, headlined by a middleweight clash between Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder.
It was also confirmed by UFC boss Dana White that the co-main event would be a five round featherweight fight between the undefeated Movsar Evloev and promotional newcomer, Aaron Pico.
White later confirmed that if Evloev could beat Pico, he would secure himself a fight for the featherweight title, with Alexander Volkanovski currently reigning over the division.
Evloev out of UFC Abu Dhabi fight due to injury
Unfortunately, though, just a few weeks out from what was set to be an incredible matchup, it has been reported by Red Corner MMA, that the Russian has pulled out of the fight due to injury.
According to their sources, Evloev has had to withdraw due to an injury or health condition he has sustained during his fight camp in Thailand.
At this point, it is unclear whether the promotion is looking for a late notice replacement for Pico or if they will also remove him from the event and reschedule the fight entirely.
Volkanovski is still yet to have his next title defense booked after rumors surfaced that it would come against Yair Rodriguez, despite him having made it clear he wanted to fight Evloev.
UFC Abu Dhabi is still a strong card on paper
Despite having lost its co-main event, the UFC Abu Dhabi card is still an extremely strong Fight Night on paper.
Shara Magomedov returns to action when he takes on the all-action Marc-Andre Barriault, and former UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan also competes on the card against the surging Marcus McGhee.
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