The UFC’s matchmakers are going through another stressful fight week. Just days before UFC Vegas 117, the promotion has already lost two fights from the card, leaving Mick Maynard and his team scrambling for short-notice fixes.
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According to reports, both Nicolas Dalby and Trey Ogden had to withdraw due to injuries. Dalby was all geared up to face Jeremiah Wells in a veteran welterweight bout, while Ogden was set to welcome undefeated prospect Tommy Gantt to the UFC.
However, the reports further reveal that the Dana White-led promotion is still trying to keep both Wells and Gantt on the UFC Vegas 117 card despite the late chaos. After all, the Wells vs. Nicolas Dalby contest was one of those under-the-radar fights that diehard fans actually liked.
Even at the end of their careers, both men are veterans who are constantly trying to prove they belong. Aged 39 and 41, respectively, both were coming off wins heading into UFC Vegas 117. Wells recently defeated Themba Gorimbo by unanimous decision, while ‘Lokomotivo’ pulled off a surprise upset over Saygid Izagakhmaev.
It felt like an ideal match between two experienced fighters at similar stages of their careers. Unfortunately, injuries got in the way before the fight could happen. Now, this could prove to be a boon for Jake Paul‘s MVP, as they are struggling to sell tickets for their upcoming Netflix MMA event.
The card led by a returning Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano is reportedly facing tough competition ever since it was announced that no. 8-ranked Arnold Allen will put his spot in the rankings on the line against Melquizael Costa in the main event of UFC Vegas 117.
But after losing two major fights on such short notice, this may help steer away the audience to Jake Paul‘s advantage. However, not everything is set in stone just yet, as the Tommy Gantt situation is reportedly a little different now.
Tommy Gantt may have found a new opponent for UFC Vegas 117
The undefeated lightweight prospect was finally ready to make his UFC debut after signing a deal with Dana White’s Contender Series. All eyes were on Tommy Gantt, who has a perfect 11-0 record and has even been training with none other than Daniel Cormier ahead of his first Octagon encounter.
Meanwhile, Trey Ogden came into the battle with a decent 3-3 UFC record and plenty of experience. Losing him this close to the event was definitely not ideal for the promotion. But thankfully, the UFC acted fast on at least one replacement.
As per journalist Marcel Dorff later, newcomer Artur Miniev has agreed to face Tommy Gantt on short notice at UFC Vegas 117. However, no official confirmation has been made by the Dana White-led promotion yet.
Jeremiah Wells, on the other hand, is still without an opponent. With fight night quickly approaching, the UFC’s matchmaking team is undoubtedly working overtime to save the rest of the card before another bout disappears completely.