A thrilling lightweight affair between Yancy Medeiros and Damir Hadzovic is in the works for a new date.
While the bout was scheduled to take place on May 22, at a fight night card, plans have changed and it will now be featured on the fight night card slated for June 26. Specifically, the fight was postponed due to Hadzovic’s health, however, the fight wasn’t scrapped until fight day. The news was first reported by MMA Junkie, but the sources asked to remain confidential until the promotion makes an official announcement.
Additionally, Hadzovic released a statement following the withdrawal and indicated that it was not due to COVID-19 issues or complications. On Hadzovic’s Instagram, he detailed the reason for the withdrawal.
“As many of you already know, I will not be fighting tonight. I can’t even describe how heartbroken I feel about this! Been waiting and looking forward to this fight for so long!
My fight camp, weight cut and fightweek was the best ever, I was more than ready for this fight!! But yesterday evening I started to feel very ill, I caught a virus, have been up all night with fever and sore throat. I am still at the hospital, and waiting for test results. It is not Covid, UFC have done everything to prevent outbreaks, we have been isolated and tested daily.
“I am beyond thankful that this fight is not canceled but will be rescheduled!” he continued.
I am sorry to everyone who was looking forward to this fight and sorry to my opponent, but most of all I am disappointed that I did not get to fight tonight!” Hadzovic posted on Instagram.
New fight date signed 🔥
See you soon Vegas! 🌋 #ufc @ Copenhagen https://t.co/OExgfqcGD6— Damir Hadzovic (@DamirHadzo) May 26, 2021
Yancy Medeiros and Damir Hadzovic – Back Against The Wall
Following a three-fight losing skid, Medeiros is eager to get back in the win column with a statement performance. The 33-year old Hawaiian will look to rebound against Hadzovic and show why the staple wins he’s notched in the UFC are by no accident. Although, it’s important to note the level of competition that Medeiros has faced along the way. First, the Hawaiian began his losing streak with a tough loss against Donald Cerrone. Then, took a loss to the, at the time, undefeated Gregor Gillespie. After losing by ground and pound finish to Gillespie, it didn’t get any easier as Medeiros would drop a unanimous decision against Lando Vannata.
Prior to the three mishaps in the Octagon, Medeiros earned some very key victories against Erick Silva and the other cowboy, Alex Oliveira. Overall, the 33-year old was able to finish both fighters by punches, so it stands to reason that he is always a live dog in any fight, even if the opponent is of elite stature.
Similarly, Hadzovic has also been struggling under the UFC banner. With two losses back-to-back, the Bosnian-native needs a big win here to keep his UFC dreams alive. Since the promotion has often cut fighters who have lost three in a row, certainly there is pressure on both athletes to fight violently, as the big winner would emerge as a legitimate threat at lightweight.
Who is your early pick between Yancy Medeiros vs. Damir Hadzovic?
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