Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Another last-second cancellation has left UFC Vegas 14 with nine total fights tonight (Sat., Nov. 14, 2020) live on ESPN+ from inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas, as a catchweight bout between Jose Quinonez and Louis Smolka has been removed from the main card.
This is according to a recent report by MMA Junkie’s John Morgan, who says UFC officials informed media members of the change just moments ago. The cancellation is due to yet another health issue stemming from Friday’s weigh ins (watch HERE), which saw Smolka weigh in three pounds over the bantamweight limit.
UFC officials have told us Quinonez-Smolka is off tonight, as well. Messaging forthcoming on decision. #UFCVegas14
— John Morgan (@MMAjunkieJohn) November 14, 2020
This news come just hours after it was revealed that middleweight contender Eryk Anders was removed from his main card clash with Antonio Arroyo due to weight cut issues. As a result of both fight cancellations, UFC Vegas 14 will now move forward with just nine bouts.
Quinonez, 30, was hoping to return to the UFC win column after getting steamrolled by Sean O’Malley back in March. The former Ultimate Fighter: Latin America runner-up is just 2-2 since the start of 2018 and really needed this win entering 2021. It is unknown at this time if Quinonez will be able to find a fight before year’s end.
Smolka, 29, is coming off a submission loss to Casey Kenney back in May. The former flyweight standout has gone just 2-2 since his return to 135 pounds two years ago and was hoping to end 2020 on a good note. Fight fans were excited for this matchup as “Da Last Samurai” has finished his last seven professional wins.
MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC Vegas 14 fight card RIGHT HERE, starting with the ESPN+ “Prelims” matches, which are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. ET, then the remaining main card balance on ESPN+ 7 p.m. ET.