Coming out of retirement for a 2nd time, UFC veteran Matt Hamill was scheduled to make his return against Thiago Silva in the World Series of Fighting 19 co-main event tonight in Arizona. Their rematch of their October 2013 UFC bout was due to be the first semifinal of the WSOF light heavyweight tournament, but those plans have now been binned. Hamill was forced to withdraw from the competition after suffering a sinus infection. In his place is 8-1 Teddy Holder, who was scheduled to face Jake Heun in the tournament reserve bout on the main card.
"We are obviously very disappointed that Matt Hamill will not be able to compete tonight but, under no circumstance, would we ask a fighter to enter the WSOF cage if he or she sustains an injury or comes down with any kind of illness prior to a scheduled bout," said WSOF President Ray Sefo in an official press release.
"We are appreciative that Teddy Holder was willing to step up and accept a new opponent and formidable challenge on such short notice," continued Sefo.
Heun will now face Clifford Starks on the NBC Sports Network broadcast, leaving Starks' opponent Eddie Arizmendi off the card entirely. Arizmendi will be given his full compensation despite not being able to compete on tonight's show.
The WSOF 19 main card begins at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT, and you can discuss the card with us by clicking this link.