Looks like fight fans will have to wait a little longer for the debut of hulking Russian veteran Ivan Shtyrkov, who was expected to fight light heavyweight Devin Clark tomorrow afternoon (Sat., April 20, 2019) at UFC on ESPN+ 7 live on ESPN+ from inside Yubileyny Sports Palace in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Unfortunately for Shtyrkov, he has been forced to withdraw from his Octagon debut against Clark after getting sick and being taken to the hospital. Shtyrkov had successfully made weight for his 205-pound affair earlier today (full weigh in results HERE), but maybe the cut down from his usual heavyweight self had something to do with his unexpected illness.
The fight cancellation has yet to be officially announced by UFC, but Clark revealed the fallout in a recent video submission to his Instagram:
“Hey, everyone. I just wanted to thank you all for your love and support, but unfortunately my fight here in Russia has been canceled,” said Clark. “My opponent, he got sick. He’s in the hospital now. So unfortunately no fight tomorrow. Thank you so much, everybody, for the love and support. It means a lot, and hopefully I’ll get rescheduled soon and onto the next one.”
Clark, 29, was hoping to rebound from a recent TKO loss Aleksandar Rakic back at UFC 231 this past December. The former RFA light heavyweight champion currently holds a 3-2 record in the UFC’s 205-pound division and will now have to wait longer to begin his 2019 campaign.
Shtyrkov, 30, was hoping to make a triumphant UFC debut in his home country of Russia. The massive fighter has been an absolute beast since making his pro MMA debut back in 2015, compiling an undefeated 15-0-1 record with 11 total finishes and victories over notable fighters like Antonio Silva, Thiago Silva, Jeff Monson, and Fabio Maldonado.
UFC Saint Petersburg’s updated fight card lineup has yet to be announced, but the event will now proceed with 11 bouts in total.