UFC 287 loses heavyweight matchup, new opponent's name reported

UFC 287 is just a week away from taking over the Miami-Dade Arena in Miami, Florida. Although the exciting main card remains intact, the preliminary card will undergo a change.

Fan favorite Chris Barnett will not feature in the preliminary card opener against Chase Sherman. The heavyweight's reason for pulling out is still unclear, however, a Twitter user suggested that a daunting weight cut forced Barnett out.

"Barnett said that he weighs over 370 pounds right now, so he had zero time to cut all that weight by Saturday"

@BigMarcel24 @ChaseShermanUFC Barnett said that he weighs over 370 pounds right now, so he had zero time to cut all that weight by Saturday

Independent journalist Marcel Dorff reported the news and also named Barnett's replacement in the heavyweight bout. Dana White's Contender Series graduate Karl Williams will take Barnett's place against Chase Sherman.

"C.Barnett out. Karl Williams in, will fight Chase Sherman at #UFC287 on April 8th."

C.Barnett out. Karl Williams in, will fight Chase Sherman at #UFC287 on April 8th. #UFC #MMA #UFCMiami #UFCESPN #UFC2023 https://t.co/sdNhwE7jbW

Williams made his promotional debut just last month at UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Dvalishvili against Lukasz Brzeski, winning via unanimous decision. He is also on a five-fight winning streak and last lost a professional bout in 2021.

The wait to see 'Beastboy' in action continues for fans since his last outing in September 2022.

Alexander Volkanovski predicts Israel Adesanya to win against Alex Pereira at UFC 287

UFC 287 will be headlined by a title rematch and the fourth meeting across combat sports for the two middleweights. Alex Pereira will defend his middleweight belt against former champion Israel Adesanya in the main event.

THE REMATCH 🏆 | THE GRUDGE MATCH 🤬

Your official #UFC287 poster has landed! https://t.co/UZ81XMc0W6

Adesanya has lost all three past meetings between the two, extending back to their time together at Glory Kickboxing. 'Izzy's' only ever knockout loss also came at the hands of the Brazilian.

Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski backed his teammate Adesanya to finally get one over Pereira and do it in style, a third-round finish.

Volkanovski told Sky Sports New Zealand in an interview:

“I think it finishes early. I think Izzy actually finishes him. I’m thinking third round. I don’t know why I’m saying third round, but that’s been my pick, my round. I honestly think he’s gonna finish, so I’m looking forward to that. Obviously he’s got something to prove. With the right game plan and things like that, I think it’s gonna go well for him, very well for him, and hopefully a nice highlight reel for Izzy. He’s got many of those and one more for the highlight reel.”

Check out Alexander Volkanovski's full interview on YouTube: