Bad news, MMA fans. The dream matchup of Tank Abbott vs. Dan Severn II has been squashed due to Abbott failing his pre-fight physical.
If you were looking forward to Ken Shamrock vs. Dan Severn rubber match — because the rematch really necessitated one more fight — your hopes were dashed when Shamrock was controversially stopped by Royce Gracie at Bellator 149 last month. Texas placed him on a 90-day suspension for a failed drug test, making him unable to compete on the March 20th UR Fight show in Arizona.
No need to fear, there was a backup plan! Tank Abbott vs. Dan Severn II was booked instead, but now that has fallen through the cracks. Why? As MMA Fighting confirmed on Thursday, Abbott did not pass his pre-fight physical administered by Arizona’s Boxing and MMA Commission.
Abbott (10-15) hasn’t fought since April 2013, when he lost by TKO to Ruben Villareal. He lost to Severn by unanimous decision way back at UFC: Ultimate Ultimate 1995. The 50-year-old’s last win came against Mike Bourke in War Gods in 2009, an event universally recognized as the greatest one of all-time.
Severn (101-19-7) hasn’t fought since April 2012, when he beat Alex Rozman by unanimous decision. The MMA legend will turn 58 years old in June and now he’s in need of a new opponent on just a few days notice, or else he risks being pulled from the card.
This Sunday’s UR Fight event will feature Michael Bisping vs. Chael Sonnen in a grappling match, Kurt Angle vs. Rey Mysterio in pro wrestling, and Roy Jones Jr. boxing 5-3 MMA fighter Vyron Phillips. It has something for everybody and I’m sure you’ll tune in and watch. This is all on pay-per-view for $12, so if you’re interested, then buy it … with your money.