The planned Benson Henderson vs. Michael Johnson fight is not happening July 12 after all.
According to sources with knowledge of the situation, Henderson was forced to withdraw from the fight, which was never officially announced by the UFC, due to undisclosed reasons. It is unclear at this time whether Johnson will remain on the card.
On Friday, the UFC announced the event was moving from Florida to Las Vegas. It will serve as the TUF 21 Finale the day after UFC 189 at the MGM Grand, and the new main event will be Jake Ellenberger vs. Stephen Thompson, which was originally scheduled to take place July 11.
Johnson (16-8) has won his last four fights in a row. He most recently defeated Edson Barboza via unanimous decision in February and afterwards said he would like to fight Henderson next.
Henderson (22-5), who immediately agreed to the Johnson fight publicly, is coming off one of the most inspiring wins of his career in February when he moved up to welterweight to submit prospect Brandon Thatch on just two weeks’ notice.