A middleweight scrap between former UFC champion Chris Weidman and veteran contender Eryk Anders has been scrapped due to medical reasons earlier tonight (Sat., Nov. 16, 2024) at UFC 309 LIVE on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The promotion announced the bout cancelation at the start of the “Prelims” broadcast. Anders is the one who was forced to withdraw on short notice, but it’s unknown at this time exactly went wrong with just a few hours left on the clock.
Due to a medical issue involving Eryk Anders, his fight with Chris Weidman has been cancelled. #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/iFdcgffmkZ
— UFC (@ufc) November 16, 2024
While we’re hoping that Anders makes a quick recovery from whatever ailment he has this is also crushing news for Weidman. The New York native was making his return home at MSG and was hoping to capture his first two-fight win streak inside of the Octagon since 2014-2015. Weidman was coming off a decision win over Bruno Silva this past March and seemed to be on the rebound after a few tough years.
Check out Weidman’s reaction to the cancelation below:
Completely devastated pic.twitter.com/FXMmYiOkAz
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) November 16, 2024
“Completely devastated,” wrote Weidman.
With Anders’ last-second withdrawal, UFC 309 will now proceed with 12 total bouts. The updated lineup is as follows:
UFC 309 Main Card (ESPN+ PPV)
265 lbs.: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic
155 lbs.: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler 2
185 lbs.: Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig
125 lbs.: Viviane Araujo vs. Karine Silva
165 lbs.: Mauricio Ruffy vs. James Llontop
UFC 309 “Prelims” (ESPN+)
135 lbs.: Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee
155 lbs.: Jim Miller vs. Damon Jackson
155 lbs.: David Onama vs. Roberto Romero
265 lbs.: Marcin Tybura vs. Jhonata Diniz
UFC 309 Early “Prelims” (ESPN+)
170 lbs.: Mickey Gall vs. Ramiz Brahimaj
170 lbs.: Bassil Hafez vs. Oban Elliott
125 lbs.: Veronica Hardy vs. Eduarda Moura
For complete UFC 309 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.