We can’t express how much we want this to happen.
While Tuesday evening started with a crushing blow to UFC Dublin, there’s a certain kickboxing champion that wants to save the day.
Stipe Miocic withdrew from UFC Dublin’s co-main event, citing injury, so the UFC are currently seeking a replacement for the highly anticipated co-main event with Ben Rothwell which could well decide the next challenger for the heavyweight title.
Awful news as one of UFC Dublin's biggest stars withdraws with injury http://t.co/VIyO7XH1KG pic.twitter.com/iNZzJtUeUn
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) October 13, 2015
The news hadn’t broken a few minutes before Tyrone Spong, multi-time kickboxing and Muay Thai world champion, stepped up and announced that he was ready to replace Miocic on eleven days notice.
Spong may not be the most familiar name for casual MMA fans as the stand-up specialist has only fought twice in professional MMA but he’s looking to make it 3-0 on the biggest stage of all.
Spong, 74-7-1 in kickboxing, jumped straight on Twitter on Tuesday night to put his case forward for his UFC debut on the banks of the Liffey.
@ufc get McSpong in Ireland on that card I'll fight!! Heavyweight light heavyweight I don't care I fight #moneyweight
— TyroneSpong (@Tyrone_spong) October 13, 2015
@B_RadFromtheLou I don’t know checking weight like that is for woman! I’m ready tho
— TyroneSpong (@Tyrone_spong) October 13, 2015
UFC heavyweight Matt Mitrione, who often trains with Spong at Florida’s Blackzilians gym, also threw his hat in the ring.
@mattmitrione @ufc meatheaddddd that’s what I’m saying one of us has to get it right?? — TyroneSpong (@Tyrone_spong) October 13, 2015
While a match-up with a seasoned MMA vet like Ben Rothwell would be a big ask for a fighter with just two bouts under his belt, Spong is far from an amateur and, with striking skills like this, who knows what’ll happen?
Spong had advocated for a slot on the Dublin card in the summer but that fell on deaf ears however his comments about Ireland show that he’s got a real affinity with this part of the world.
“I really want to fight in Dublin,” Spong said. “I love Ireland and the fans love me over there.
“I guess they just like real fighters.”
