The highest ranked fighter on the UFC Dublin card has been forced to withdraw from his bout.
Rumours circulated earlier on social media that number three-ranked heavyweight Stipe Miocic pulled out of his co-main event bout at UFC Dublin on October 24th.
Miocic’s opponent, Ben Rothwell sent a cryptic tweet on Tuesday which sent fans into a panic at prospect of the card losing one of its biggest fights.
… @stipemiocicufc for real?
— Big Ben Rothwell (@RothwellFighter) October 13, 2015
MMA Junkie reported that the news has been confirmed by sources who wish to remain anonymous and Miocic has withdrawn for the fight.
Miocic (13-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) has won four of his last five, with his last loss coming by way of an extremely close decision that went in favour of former champion Junior dos Santos.
While Rothwell (35-9 MMA, 5-3 UFC) is riding a three-fight winning streak and adding Miocic to his impressive collection of scalps that include Alistair Overeem and Matt Mitrione, might have been enough to earn him the next title shot.
The search for a replacement for Miocic in time for the event is on.
' @stipemiocicufc don't be scared homie @ufc pic.twitter.com/MK1hSrwK1Y
— Big Ben Rothwell (@RothwellFighter) October 13, 2015
Miocic has since confirmed the news on Twitter and issued an apology to his fans and Rothwell.
Gutted Sorry to the fans. Sorry to the @ufc sorry to @RothwellFighter
I'll be back soon. But first I'd like to be able to put my socks on
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocic) October 13, 2015
