The UFC’s upcoming fight card on ABC has just taken a serious blow. Top-ranked middleweight Darren Till appears to be off the card, with reports swirling of a collarbone injury. The UFC is seeking a replacement to headline their upcoming April 10th UFC Vegas 23 Fight Night event.
Just before the news broke, Marvin Vettori – who was set to take on Till in what may have been a title shot clinching contest for both men – made a declaration that he considers himself the top contender for Israel Adesanya’s belt, and will prove as much against whoever the UFC puts across from him.
Always do my part 100% and these bunch of pussies can’t make it.
Im next in line for the title, whoever has something to say show the fuck up in 2 weeks so I can whoop your ass and shut you off for good— Marvin Vettori (@MarvinVettori) March 30, 2021
ESPN’s Ariel Helwani broke the news shortly afterward, with MMA Junkie’s Nolan King providing details of the injury and reports that the UFC would be searching for a replacement.
Vettori has climbed all the way to no. 6 in the middleweight division, per the UFC’s latest rankings. That success comes on the heels of a 4-fight winning streak, stretching back to a split decision loss to the ‘Last Stylebender’ back in 2018. Most recently Vettori picked up the highest profile victory of his career, defeating Jack Hermansson by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC Vegas 16.
While no replacement for the bout has been made official, Kevin Holland has reportedly made the offer to step in on short notice. Holland is fresh off a unanimous decision defeat to Derek Brunson just over a week ago, in the main event of UFC Vegas 22. Heading into that bout, ‘Trailblazer’ was on a five-fight winning streak, with all bouts taking place within the last 12 months.
Stay tuned to Bloody Elbow for more news and notes as information becomes available.
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