Several outlets including MMA Kings and MMA Junkie are reporting that UFC heavyweight Stipe Miocic has been forced to pull out of his UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs Duffy co-headliner against Ben Rothwell in Dublin on October 24. The nature of the injury has not been disclosed. Nor has the UFC indicated if they’ll be able to find a replacement opponent for Rothwell.
That won’t be easy given the short-notice and the fact that the fighter will have to be able to travel to and fight legally in Ireland with virtually no time to navigate international red tape.
Rothwell started the speculation with a cryptic but clearly disappointed tweet:
With Miocic ranked #3 and Rothwell at #7 the bout had definite title shot implications. Rothwell is riding a three-fight UFC win streak and has to be incredibly frustrated at the loss of such a highly ranked opponent.
Miocic is coming off a win over Mark Hunt in May.
Stay tuned to Bloody Elbow for updates on Miocic’s injury and possible replacement opponents.