Earlier today it was reported that Taylor Lapilus had been removed from this Saturday’s UFC Fight Night Stockholm card in his bout against Dennis Siver. The only reason given as to why Lapilus was removed from the card was that the Swedish Mixed Martial Arts Federation felt he wasn’t a suitable opponent for Siver.
Charles Rosa had been picked up by the UFC, and was signed to replace Lapilus.
The SMMAF posted a message on their website regarding Lapilus’ removal from the bout.
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New contender for Mr. Dennis Siver /UFC Fight Night 53
2014-09-29
Regarding the request for replacement of contender to Mr. Dennis Siver at the UFC event on October 4th in Stockholm, Sweden
The Board of the Swedish Mixed Martial Arts Federation (SMMAF) has reviewed the request comprising two options for contender to Mr. Siver put forth by the UFC: the first option regarding Mr. Taylor Lapilus (France) and the second option regarding Mr. Charles Rosa (USA).
The Board has made the following ruling.
Mr. Taylor Lapilus After having reviewed the information submitted as well as having viewed footage of Mr. Lapilus, the Board of SMMAF must regrettably declare that the request regarding Mr Lapilus as a contender to Mr. Siver has been denied. The grounds for the denial is the inexperience of the athlete in question as based on his age, his technical skill, his record and his overall short background in MMA. This gives reason to believe that he has limited, if any, sparring and competition experience outside of the official record. It is therefore our judgement that a full-contact, professional MMA match between Mr. Lapilus and Mr. Siver would be an uneven match-up to the point where we Mr. Lapilus’ safety can not be guaranteed.
Mr. Charles Rosa The Board of SMMAF hereby declares that the request for Mr. Rose as contender to Mr. Siver has been approved, and the match is authorized for the event on October 4th in Stockholm, Sweden.
Stockholm September 28th 2014
Johan Halldin President Swedish MMA Federation
Lapilus, who is 8-1 in his professional career, has fought 8 of his 9 professional bouts in France, where the commission doesn’t allow for ground and pound strikes.