The UFC Denver card is getting a late addition to the ESPN/ESPN+ “Prelims” lineup this Sat. night (July 13, 2024) at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
Darrius Flowers had no intention of fighting at elevation on short notice after his debut loss to Jake Matthews at UFC 291 in Salt Lake City. Unfortunately, “Beast Mode” is now 0-2 after capturing a UFC contract on Dana White’s “Contender Series” back in summer 2022 and not in a position to turn down fights.
Even when they’re booked on just three days’ notice.
“It’s official, on three days notice,” Flowers (12-7-1) wrote on Instagram. “This Saturday I’ll be getting my hand raised over Evan Elder. This ride so far has been a rollercoaster but here comes the fun parts. Fighting this weekend not the circumstances I wanted, I said I wouldn’t fight in elevation short notice again after Utah, but I wasn’t left with much of a choice because this card has no fights lol but I’m confident I’ll get my hand raised. I can cry like a b*tch or I can go earn another contract. Theirs is nothing fair in life, and no perfect timing. Just believe in god and go get it done!”
Fans on Twitter are criticizing matchmakers for “panic booking.”
“Making the most of any opportunity that comes my way,” Elder (8-2) wrote on Instagram. “We will never get to where we wish to be without taking risks. Been out of the cage for almost a year and have made a ton of improvements. I can’t wait to show the world. When that cage door locks, it’s going to be fireworks. See you soon.”
For the revised UFC Denver and ESPN/ESPN+ lineup click here.