Looks like Jason was just the push everyone needed. Shortly after the announcement that Rony Jason would be unable to compete on UFC Fight Night 29: Maia vs. Shields his scheduled opponent, Jeremy Stephens has been removed from the card with an injury of his own. Bleacher Report has the news:
According to Stephens' manager Ryan Hass from EVO Agents, who spoke to Bleacher Report on Monday, the featherweight slugger was dealing with an injury that's kept him out of the gym for over a week.
Stephens was suffering from a leg injury that kept him off his feet for more than a week, but the San Diego-based featherweight was planning on pushing through and traveling to Brazil for the fight until Jason pulled out of the bout.
With Jason out of the fight and no replacement currently in place, Stephens opted to back out of the card as well to allow his leg time to heal.
Apparently the injury isn't severe (especially considering that Stephens had planned on fighting with it) so he is not expected to be out long. The UFC is reportedly considering resigning the fight between Stephens and Jason for a later date once both of them are healthy.
With the card just under a month away there's no news as to whether the UFC will look to book a replacement bout, currently the card stands at only 11 fights. I expect the Palhares vs. Pierce fight will get bumped up to the main card to fill this spot even if another fight is added. Hopefully there wont be any further injury woes. Stay tuned to Bloody Elbow for more news and updates.
More from Bloody Elbow:
- UFC 165: Alexander Gustafsson plans to wear UFC belt non-stop after he beats Jon Jones
- WSOF 6: Jon Fitch vs. Marcelo Alfaya booked
- Gleison Tibau's trainers reveal the secret to the biggest same day weight cut in the UFC
- Knuckle Up #452: Eugene S. Robinson breaks bad after 4 hours of boxing + comes to terrible, wonderful conclusions
- Jose Aldo thinks Chad Mendes hasn't done enough for a rematch, wants Lamas or Swanson
Latest From Our Partners
- Top 5 Richest MMA Fighters(BR)
- Greatest Staredowns in UFC History (BR)
- Top 10 Most Intimidating Fighters (BR)
- Worst MMA Fighter Commercials (BR)
- Seven Best Rides in the UFC (BR)
- Biggest Busts in UFC History (BR)
- Eight Fighters UFC Can't Live Without (BR)