5 UFC fight cards ruined by a fighter
The UFC takes pride in producing the best MMA events in the world. Rival promotions like Bellator MMA, ONE FC and Rizin struggle to match the starpower that's present on the UFC roster. Thus, fight fans from every corner of the globe tune in to watch fight cards with greater interest than any other MMA event.
However, this is not always the case. Sometimes unforeseen variables can lead to chaotic changes in a promotion's plans, whether leading to fighters withdrawing from their planned bouts or event cancelations altogether. Last Friday, UFC 279 experienced an abrupt change in its scheduled matchups due to a mishap helmed by rising welterweight contender Khamzat Chimaev.
Unfortunately, 'Borz' is not the only fighter to spoil the promotion's plans. Throughout its history, the UFC has dealt with various situations that have negatively impacted their events. Given the events of the previous week, this list will outline 5 UFC fighters who ruined the promotion's fight cards.
#5. Darren Till, UFC on ABC 2
The exact reason for Darren Till's recent string of unfortunate injuries is not public knowledge. Many speculate that he does not take his fitness as seriously as he once did, causing him to be in less than optimal shape for the rigors of MMA training.
Whatever the reason behind it, Darren Till has been unable to fight more than once a year since his return to the middleweight division, which contrasts with his low injury rate at welterweight.
Per multiple sources, Darren Till has suffered a collarbone injury and is out of his main event. https://t.co/lG2lc8kBJF
Meanwhile, a social media feud has been brewing between Marvin Vettori and Darren Till for over a year. Vettori aimed trash talk in Till's direction, while 'The Gorilla' posted memes humorously comparing 'The Italian Dream' to an orc from the Lord of the Rings franchise.
When a matchup between the two was scheduled, Till withdrew from the bout due to an injury. The card was severely lacking in starpower and excitement and Till's removal rendered it even more dull.
While Kevin Holland showed balls and stepped in as Till's short-notice replacement, the resulting fight was a slogging grappling affair involving a fighter who was woefully unprepared for Vettori, nor had the fun history that gave the initial Till-Vettori matchup a built-in storyline.