The bad news: Michael Chiesa (Pictured) has been forced out of Saturday’s scrap against Marcus LeVesseur due to illness. The good news: the lightweight affair wasn’t one of “UFC on FOX: Henderson vs. Diaz’s” four featured fights.
The contest was to mark Chiesa’s first since taking “The Ultimate Fighter 15” tournament back in June.
No word on what exactly caused “Maverick” to bow out.
The report comes just three days after a pulled groin pushed Lavar Johnson out of his shootout against Brendan Schaub in another preliminary bout. However, that prelim was slated to headline the FX broadcast.
The promotion opted to yank Schaub from the event, as they couldn’t locate a suitable substitute in time. It is believed they will do the same with LeVesseur. Although, the UFC does have plenty more 155-pounders at their disposal than heavyweights.
Key Arena in Seattle, Washington hosts the festivities.
FOX broadcasts the main bouts live beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT.
Here is the show’s revised lineup:
Preliminary Card:
(Facebook 3:45PM ET/12:45PM PT)
Tim Means vs. Abel Trujillo
Scott Jorgensen vs. John Albert
(FX 5PM ET/2PM PT)
Marcus LeVesseur vs. TBD
Daron Cruickshank vs. Henry Martinez
Jeremy Stephens vs. Yves Edwards
Joe Proctor vs. Ramsey Nijem
Dennis Siver vs. Nam Phan
Raphael Assuncao vs. Mike Easton
Main Card:
(FOX 8PM ET/5PM PT)
Matt Brown vs. Mike Swick
BJ Penn vs. Rory MacDonald
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua vs. Alexander Gustafsson
Nate Diaz vs. Benson Henderson (UFC lightweight champion)