UFC 296 card main sees a major change; Huge Welterweight fight has been scrapped

The UFC 296 card sees a major change as one of the main card bouts has been scrapped. Just like the main-event fight, it was also one of the most-anticipated Welterweight fights between two of the prominent individuals in UFC but unfortunately, it has been cancelled. UFC CEO Dana White notified the same via, an Instagram live session.

3 things you need to know

• UFC 296 is scheduled to take place on December 16, 2023
• The event will be headlined by Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington
• The fight will be for the undisputed UFC Welterweight title

Also Read | 'I can't see him..': Leon Edwards makes a starling prediction about Colby Covington's UFC future

Ian Garry contracts Pneumonia ahead of UFC 296

Ian Machado Garry, who was apparently quite eager to take on Vicente Luque at UFC 296, will no longer be able to compete at the PPV as he has contracted Pneumonia just at the 11th hour of the fight.

UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the news on Wednesday after Chael Sonnen initially reported the news. “Ian Garry started with the flu that turned into pneumonia,” White said on Twitter. “So that fight is off and is not happening. It is true.”

Garry was expected to make an appearance before the media on Wednesday, but upon his no-show, various speculations stemmed up. In the lead-up to the fight, the 26-year-old had an intense back-and-forth with the current Middleweight champ, Sean Strickland, and following that he voiced his concern towards the safety of his family. However, nothing of the sort became the reason behind his absence from the media day.

Also Read | 'I think he's going to do it': UFC expert picks winner of the Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington fight

Replacement of Ian Garry vs Vicente Luque yet to get locked in

Since it takes at least one month for Pneumonia to fade away, Garry might have to stay out for the entire first quarter of 2024, and following that would become available again.

UFC 296 will now proceed with 13 fights and information regarding which fight from the undercard will become the replacement of Ian Garry vs Vicente Luque is yet to come out.