Last night’s UFC Vegas 5 card ended up with only 8 fights. A number of bouts were canceled due to fighters being withdrawn from competition both before and during the weigh-ins and during the actual show.
In the past, when fighters have had their bouts canceled, but they have still weighed in successfully, the UFC has compensated those fighters with their full ‘show money’. However, according to UFC President Dana White, that might not be the case for those involved in canceled fights from last night.
At his post-fight press conference White stated that: Fighters that didn’t fight on Saturday due to cancellations got paid “some money,” but not full show money and that they’re trying to get them rebooked.
“These guys that didn’t fight tonight, they got paid some money and we’re trying to turn these guys around,” White said. “I think Holland’s gonna fight next week. They got paid some money, but didn’t get their show money, though.”
The first fighters to fall out off the card were Ray Borg, Eric Spicely and Timur Valiev. Those fighters all withdrew from the card for non disclosed reasons ahead of the official weigh-ins.
Ray Borg was replaced by Johnny Munoz, who fought Nathan Maness. Munoz lost via unanimous decision.
Timur Valiev was replaced by Vincent Cachero, who fought Jamall Emmers. Cachero lost via unanimous decision.
The UFC initially planned to have Eric Spicely replaced with Charlie Onitveros, who would then take on Markus Perez in a catchweight bout. Perez weighed in at the agreed amount, but the commission prevented Ontiveros from weighing in, thus scratching the fight with Perez.
On fight night, Gerald Meerschaert was pulled from the card after a positive COVID-19 test. Both Meershcaert and his scheduled opponent Ed Herman weighed in for the event.
Then later in the night, Trevin Giles vs. Kevin Holland was canceled after Giles fainted backstage. Both Giles and Holland weighed in successfully ahead of the fight.
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