The Ultimate Fighter season 27 Finale’s main event is in jeopardy as #8 ranked middleweight Brad Tavares is out of the main event against prospect Israel Adesanya.
Speaking with TMZ Sports on Sunday, UFC President Dana White said that the Hawaiian broke his foot and has been forced out of his first main event.
However world renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported that Tavares is dealing with the injury, he has not officially pulled out of the bout and is still hoping to compete at the event against Adesanya. Tavares is on a four fight winning streak. (via Twitter):
Despite a report earlier claiming Brad Tavares is out of the Israel Adesanya fight, sources close to Tavares say that isn’t accurate at this time. He is dealing with an injury but they haven’t withdrawn and are hoping he can still fight on 7/6.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 7, 2018
The front runner to replace Tavares is dangerous Brazilian Thiago ‘Marrheta’ Santos. “Thiago Santos said he will accept the fight, but I’m still looking and trying to figure this thing out,” White said. “Injuries are killing me.”
Santos ties the record with Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone for the most number of knockouts via kicks. Adesanya being a former kickboxing maniac, this fight has all the credentials to be a war. Santos is coming of a loss against former WSOF middleweight and light heavyweight champion David Branch at UFC Fight Night in April and will like to get things back on winning ways.
Another fighter eager to step in is prospect Eryk ‘Ya Boy’ Anders who is also coming of a controversial decision loss against legend Lyoto Machida. (via Twitter):
They know who to call 🙋🏽♂️ @IridiumSports @Mickmaynard2 https://t.co/FxxmN1uC2K
— Eryk Anders (@erykanders) June 8, 2018
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