UFC Seattle has already taken multiple hits to the originally scheduled card. It started with pullouts from Islam Dulatov and Antonio Trocoli, two fighters who were scheduled on the preliminary portion of the card. They were promptly replaced by Billy Goff, who will face Adam Fugitt, and Nick Klein, who will make his UFC debut against fellow debutant and DWCS alumni Mansur Abdul-Malik.
These issues were just the start for the UFC, as soon after, it was reported that Dominick Cruz was out of the Co-Main Event against Rob Font due to a shoulder injury. Cruz would announce his retirement the next day and leave Font without an opponent. Font is presumably off the card, with no news about a replacement since Cruz’s injury.
UFC Seattle Takes a Prolonged Beating
Just yesterday, MMA Junkie confirmed that another main card matchup between Curtis Blaydes and Rizvan Kuniev was being rescheduled for UFC 313, leaving two massive gaps in the main card for Seattle. The reason for the rescheduling is unknown at this time.
As if things couldn’t get any worse, it’s been announced today that two more pivotal matchups, Edson Barboza vs. Steve Garcia and Macy Chiasson vs. Ketlen Vieira, are both off. Chiasson and Barboza suffered injuries, making it unlikely that their opponents will get replacements. Vieira is already confirmed to be off the card. These cancellations led to a massively depleted card that looked nothing like the original.
There was some positive news to come, with two short-notice bouts being announced to help with all the cancellations.
The first features Julius “Juice Box” Walker (6-0) making his UFC debut against Alonzo Menifield. “Juice Box” is one of the best light heavyweight prospects currently on the regional scene, holding wins over TUF vet Nyle Bartling and UFC vet Bevon Lewis. Walker captured two regional championships en route to a 4-0 2024. Menifield was originally scheduled to face Oumar Sy at UFC London on March 22. Sy pulled out, and now Menifield will fight a month earlier on February 22 in Seattle.
Nursulton Ruziboev returns from his May loss to Joaquin Buckley to face UFC newcomer Eric McConico (9-2-1). McConico was scheduled to fight in the Main Event of Tuff-N-Uff tomorrow, instead accepting the short-notice UFC opportunity. His five-fight win streak dates back to November 2022 and includes a win over UFC vet Maki Pitolo.
What was your reaction to all these crazy UFC Seattle changes? Are you looking forward to the new fights? Let us know in the comments below!
