UFC 309 has lost two awesome fights next weekend (Sat., Nov. 16, 2024).
Today (Wed., Nov. 6, 2024), MMA Junkie reported that Top 15 Light Heavyweight matchup Nikita Krylov vs. Azamat Murzakanov because Murzakanov has pulled out and MMA Fighting reported that Featherweight Lucas Almeida is out of his fight against David Onama, which would have been a banger.
MMAMania.com has confirmed with sources close to the situation that both fights are canceled. It is unknown if Krylov or Onama will stay on UFC 309.
Murzakonov vs. Krylov being off the card is a huge bummer because both fighters are pretty inactive.
Krylov (30-9) has been out of action since his first-round submission win over Ryan Spann (watch highlights) at UFC Las Vegas in 2023. Krylov is ranked No. 6, and with another significant win, he could be a dark horse to fight UFC Light Heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
Murzakov (14-0) has been on a roll thus far in UFC, winning all four of his fights. However, he has only fought once a year since 2022.
Onama (12-2) has been must-watch television since entering UFC in 2021 and is coming off an upset unanimous decision win over Jonathan Pearce. In contrast, Almeida (15-3) is coming off a somewhat forgettable win over Timothy Cuamba.
Here is the current UFC 309 card:
265 lbs.: UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic
155 lbs.: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler 2
185 lbs.: Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig
185 lbs.: Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders
125 lbs.: Viviane Araujo vs. Karine Silva
205 lbs.: Nikita Krylov vs. TBD
125 lbs.: Veronica Hardy vs. Eduarda Moura
135 lbs.: Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee
170 lbs.: Mickey Gall vs. Ramiz Brahimaj
145 lbs:. David Onama vs. TBD
170 lbs:. Oban Elliott vs. Bassil Hafez
125 lbs:. Veronica Hardy vs. Eduarda Moura
265 lbs:. Jhonata Diniz vs. Marcin Tybura