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The UFC Vegas 35 fight card has received a major setback one after the other. It is being learned that UFC Vegas 35 has in fact lost four fights in 24 hours. Former women's bantamweight title challenger Sara McMann has injured herself and pulled out of her fight, hoping for a "quick healing process."
In addition, Aliaskhab Khizriev was also bit by the injury bug and forced out from his fight with Alessio Di Chirico.
"The worst part is that I was so healthy and having a really great camp," wrote McMann on Instagram. "I know I’ll keep the gains I’ve made but I was really hoping to get the reward for all of the work I’ve put in the last few months."
"If [Ketlen Vieira] is able to wait and push our fight date back, I’m happy to do that," continued McMann. "I’ll be back to the [UFC] as quickly as possible."
"Thanks to all of my selfless partners and coaches through this camp. You helped me make majors gains and I appreciate you all," she further said.
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While the promotion has restarted its search for a replacement opponent for "Manzo," nothing concrete has materialised. A report carried by MMA Island has also reported that Mario Bautista tested positive for COVID-19 and will no longer be available for the fight against Guido Cannetti. Like Vieira, it is still not decided if Cannetti will remain on the fight card.
Meanwhile, the promotion has roughly 10 days before they can somehow schedule the fights. Moreover, joining the list of injury withdrawals is once-beaten flyweight contender Tracy Cortez. The 27-year-old flyweight contender injured herself and removed herself from next week’s JJ Aldrich bout, as claimed in a report by MMA Junkie. However, Aldrich is expected to remain in the lineup.
The UFC Vegas 35 event will air on ESPN on August 28 at APEX in Las Vegas. This will be topped by the featherweight headliner between Edson Barboza vs Giga Chikadze. In the meantime, TUF 29 champs will be crowned in the bantamweight and middleweight divisions.