Sport
Share
Published 11:45 13 May 2017 BST
Explore more on these topics:
But that wasn't the plan.
A late rejig was required because the two men involved in the next bantamweight title fight didn't make it to the event.
Challenger TJ Dillashaw took to Instagram to suggest that champion Cody Garbrandt was trying to pull out of his first title defence against his former teammate.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUAQzdmgTyB/
“I SMELL SOMEONE TRYING TO PULL OUT OF A FIGHT,” Dillashaw said. “My flights were cancelled on me last minute to be at the “UFC Summer Kickoff” press conference today because Cody doesn’t want to go.”
Dillashaw is still slated to get the chance to regain the 135lbs crown at UFC 213 in July but, following the above Instagram post, he answered a fan's question about whether the fight was indeed off with a very worrying response.
"Yes," Dillashaw succinctly answered.
Garbrandt's social media activity added further doubt to the fight as he posted two tweets on Friday, revealing that he was travelling to Germany to undergo a procedure on his back. Both tweets have since been deleted.
https://twitter.com/Cody_Nolove/status/862069676381061120
https://twitter.com/Cody_Nolove/status/862437919893540864
MMAFighting reporter Ariel Helwani announced that the fight was indeed in jeopardy.
https://twitter.com/arielhelwani/status/863134444198211585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bloodyelbow.com%2F2017%2F5%2F12%2F15633756%2Fmma-news-back-injury-could-prevent-cody-garbrandt-vs-tj-dillashaw-ufc-213
UFC women's bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes was added to the UFC 213 card with her second title defence scheduled to take place in a rematch with Valentina Shevchenko.
Given the hostility that exists between Garbrandt and Dillashaw, that particular fight was one of the most highly anticipated contests of the year.
But, right now, it's definitely not looking good.
Quiz: Name every third place play-off winner in World Cup history
You have just five minutes to name the winners of all 20 play-off ties! While the World Cup is usually remembered for its champions, many teams have still written their own proud chapters by winning the third-place play-off, and reserving some remaining honour for their country. Sometimes referred to as an “award for the first […]
Sport
2 days ago
World Cup 2026 prize money: The staggering amount the winners can earn revealed
If it’s coming home, here’s how much England will get Football fans need to gear up and stay up-to-date with the World Cup, as there are just a few days remaining for the much-awaited tournament. The World Cup this year is set to begin on June 11, 2026, and will be hosted across the USA, […]
Sport
2 days ago
Sport
Arne Slot made ‘insulting’ remark to Liverpool signings before leaving club
Sport