So close.
UFC 205 — which is set to pop off this weekend (Sat., Nov. 12, 2016) from inside Madison Square Garden in New York City — hadn’t been impacted too drastically by injuries, United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) or other unforeseen circumstances in the lead up to the biggest pay-per-view (PPV) event in recent memory.
But, with just four days until fight night, Rashad Evans was forced out of his scheduled fight against Tim Kennedy — which was set for the preliminary portion of the event on FOX Sports 1 — due to issues with his medicals.
ESPN’s Brett Okamotto has the word:
With Dana White right now, tells me Evans/Kennedy is off due to an issue with Evans’s medicals. More info to come.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) November 8, 2016
Bummer.
The fight was set to be “Suga’s” debut at 185 pounds against his former Jackson-Winkeljohn teammate. And though the two shared plenty of mat time together down in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the relationship seemed to have soured over the years.
Nevertheless it seems Evans and Kennedy will have to wait for another day to settle their minor differences. And with only days remaining until fight night, finding a late replacement to step in and face Tim will be a tough task.
Keep it tuned to MMAmania.com as more details emerge.