UFC Fight Night: Kevin Holland vs Derek Brunson suffers a massive hit as the co-main event gets canceled due to COVID protocols. The lightweight bout between Gregor Gillespie and Brad Riddell is now postponed to a later date as per UFC’s official announcement.
This fight was supposed to be the comeback fight for Gregor Gillespie. The ranked no 15 UFC lightweight lost his last fight via KO at UFC 244. And after a long hiatus, Gillespie was going to make his octagon return against the rising star from City Kick Boxing, Brad Riddell.
Unfortunately, Gregor Gillespie will have to wait for his octagon return. UFC Vegas 22 fight card has seen some unwanted hiccups so far.
Gregor Gillespie takes a dig at Islam Makhachev
First, UFC heavyweight, Don’Tale Mayes had to pull out of his fight against Tai Tuivasa. But, later on, DWCS’s veteran Harry Hunsucker replaced him for the heavyweight bout on UFC Vegas 22.
Besides that, the UFC women’s bantamweight fight between, Julija Stoliarenko and Julia Avila was canceled after Stoliarenko fainted twice during the weigh-in.
Stoliarenko was taken to the hospital after the weigh-in and later on, the fight was announced canceled.
Fans will be present at UFC 261
This has been a trend ever since UFC started its journey post COVID. Many flights have been canceled on short notice due to COVID reasons. However, Dana White is doing his best to provide weekly entertainment to the fight fans. But, this might be a huge concern after UFC 261 as the event will have around 15,000 fans in the arena.
Dana White has been heavily criticized for his bold actions during the COVID era. And his decision to allow fans into the arena was not accepted by many in the sports world. However, Dana White has proved everyone wrong by putting on fights every single week, providing a job to his fighters.
But, the live fans will certainly add a ton of pressure on Dana White as the safety of the fighters, media persons, as well as fans, will be a concern going forward.