Chaos erupted on Friday afternoon in Sacramento when, barely 24 hours away from fight night, Renan Barao was forced to withdraw from his rematch against UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw due to complications cutting weight, inflicting a fatal blow to an already less than stellar UFC 177 pay-per-view lineup.
Promotional newcomer Joe Soto, who three weeks ago became the Tachi Palace Fights bantamweight champion, will now challenge Dillashaw for the UFC title on one day’s notice. For Soto, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, however not all parties involved were as pleased with the outcome.
Much respect and best regards to Barão BUT THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MY TITLE SHOT @ufc 177 I was ready in shape, healthy & 6 fight win streak.
— Raphael Assuncao (@RaphaAssuncao) August 29, 2014
@danawhite @lorenzofertitta well if you guys are just giving out free title shots to anyone I’ll take one
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) August 29, 2014
Holy shit… This card is cursed
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) August 29, 2014
If anything we are seeing the real danger and health risks for a large or bad cut
— ike vallie-flagg (@IKEVF) August 29, 2014
Making weight isnt a ‘week of’ thing. It’s a lifestyle. You’re a GD professional. Act like it. #EveryoneWhoMissesWeight
— Charlie Brenneman (@SpaniardMMA) August 29, 2014
Holy Shit can’t believe that barao is out of the fight with T.J was really looking forward to that fight
— Brad Pickett (@One_Punch) August 29, 2014
“@JayRussellMMA: I know the UFC will do the right thing and pay @abirchakMMA his show/win money.” @danawhite PRETTY PRETTY PLEASE LOL!
— Anthony Birchak (@abirchakMMA) August 29, 2014
WTF? MMA is the most unpredictable sport ever.
— Andre Fili (@TouchyFili) August 29, 2014
Stay strong Barao….Estamos contigo @RenanBaraoUFC vc é nosso campeao… #forcabarao #respeito
— Antonio Pezao Silva (@BigfootSilva) August 29, 2014
Holy crap! My teammate and good friend @JoeSoto135 is fighting for the @ufc belt! I’m telling you, he is an absolute beast. Win/lose/draw it
— Cody Gibson (@TheRenegade559) August 29, 2014
Is going to be one hell of a fight! If it goes to the ground, this could get very interesting!
— Cody Gibson (@TheRenegade559) August 29, 2014
All I know is Joe Soto is living the dream right now. Make the most of the opportunities you are given.
— Stipe Miocic (@smiocic) August 29, 2014
I’m on a good run, might as well drop down to 135lbs hahahaha! @TJDillashaw are u ready!
— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) August 29, 2014
I’m not sure I can cut to 135 in time.
— Coach (@CMPunk) August 29, 2014
Joe soto? Lucky bastard. Go get it man, Cinderella story?
— Cody Bollinger (@CodyBollinger) August 29, 2014
@mmasarah …there must be a way to blame Greg Jackson for this…
— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) August 29, 2014
Thank you everyone for all the love and support!
— Joe Soto (@JoeSoto135) August 29, 2014
Picture of @JoeSoto135 and @TJDillashaw at fighter check in this week. Little did they know! @ufc @arielhelwani pic.twitter.com/d4TGz6Zar1
— Cody Gibson (@TheRenegade559) August 29, 2014