UFC are working on a new main event for next Saturday’s Apex event after the initially planned headliner was called off.
Number six-ranked Tatsuro Taira was due to face number four Amir Albazi in a flyweight clash with genuine title implications in the headliner of UFC Vegas 108. However, it seems that the fight is off and a new bout is being worked on by the promotion.
Fans were already concerned about the lack of name value and depth on the card, which will be available on ESPN. And it now needs a whole new look as they head back to the Apex for yet another event in front of a limited crowd.
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Tatsuro Taira vs Amir Albazi off as UFC Vegas 108 looks for new headliner
A number of sources across social media have reported that Tatsuro Taira and Amir Albazi’s fight next Saturday has been cancelled. The news was first posted by social media account Best Fight Picks, and has seemingly been confirmed by other outlets including Home of Fight.
Just under 12 hours ago, when nobody knew about the cancellation, Taira teased that something was wrong when he shared a photo of himself training to Instagram. His caption read: “When one door closes, another opens. Let’s go have a fire.”
Albazi, on the other hand, hasn’t posted in days to social media. Ironically, his last tweet from early June asked: “As fight fans, do you prefer the arenas or the UFC apex? As a fighter, I definitely like the atmosphere and hearing of the crowd in the arenas. Makes me feel like a gladiator.”
It is unclear what exactly caused the cancellation, but Taira appears to be training and ready. He shared a video with his teammates in Vegas on his Instagram story last night.
UFC Vegas 108 main event had flyweight title implications
The planned bout between Taira and Albazi was being advertised as having major sway when it comes to deciding the next title challenger. Obviously, Joshua Van has emerged as the division’s number one contender, but there was also scope for the Apex headliners.
Taira and Albazi, ranked number six and four respectively, are the highest ranked flyweight contenders aside from Van to have not fought for a title yet. Champion Alexandre Pantoja has looked unbeatable since taking the belt, and is taking on all challengers.
Should he get through Van, it had been expected he would have instantly had another fight lined up with the winner of Taira vs Albazi. However, the future of the division now has a few more questions marks as a result of the cancellation.