While UFC 205 is still quite a ways away, the event has already experienced two fallouts in regards to scheduled matchups.
The first was Robbie Lawler vs. Donald Cerrone, which was the first fight announced for the event. Almost immediately after the bout was announced, former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler pulled out of the fight, explaining that he didn’t want to rush into another fight too quickly after being knocked out by Tyron Woodley in the main event of UFC 201.
Fortunately, the UFC was able to find a replacement opponent for ‘Cowboy’ when #6 ranked welterweight Kelvin Gastelum signed to fill-in for Lawler.
Now, TalkMMA is reporting that Thiago Alves vs. Al Iaquinta has also been scratched from the card, however no reason has been given as to why the fight was scratched.
#BREAKING – Multiple sources confirmed that Al Iaquinta vs Thiago Alves off #UFC205
— Deplorable #Dizz © (@TalkMMA) September 16, 2016
Alves was looking to return to the Octagon for the first time since his brutal TKO loss to Carlos Condit nearly a year and a half ago. The loss to Condit snapped Alves’ 2-fight win streak that saw him return to action after a 2 year layoff.
On the other hand, Iaquinta will also be making his return to the Octagon. The #13 ranked lightweight was in the midst of a 4-fight win streak when he was sidelined for over a year.
The fight between the pair was confirmed by several sources, however was not formally announced by the UFC.
As news emerges regarding the cancellation of the fight, we will learn whether or not the UFC will look to find a replacement opponent if one of the men is able to stay on the card.
Stay tuned for updates as they become available.