The much-anticipated UFC Perth event in Australia has suffered a significant setback, with a scheduled fight being canceled only two days before the action was due to begin.
Despite the changes, light heavyweight contenders Carlos Ulberg and Dominick Reyes remain on track to headline the UFC’s return to the RAC Arena.
The initial fight card was planned to feature thirteen exciting bouts, including a strong contingent of local Australian and New Zealand talent.
Regrettably, one of these eagerly awaited matchups has been unexpectedly scrapped following a fighter’s illness.
Oban Elliott Withdraws from UFC Perth
British fan-favorite Oban Elliott had journeyed extensively to Perth, specifically to compete against Jonathan Micallef on Saturday evening.
However, on Thursday, the UFC released an official statement confirming the abrupt cancellation of their welterweight bout.
“Due to illness, Oban Elliott has been removed from his welterweight bout with Jonathan Micallef. As a result, this bout has been cancelled,” the UFC statement detailed.
No last-minute replacement opponent will be sought, meaning Jonathan Micallef will also no longer be fighting at UFC Perth.
This event has faced multiple challenges, as the light heavyweight clash between Junior Tafa and Ibo Aslan was also previously called off due to an injury sustained by one of the combatants.
These successive withdrawals have further weakened a fight card already struggling to generate widespread enthusiasm. Reports indicate that UFC Perth has been battling poor ticket sales, with at least one Australian news outlet forecasting the venue would be only ‘half full’ on the night of the event, underscoring the promotional difficulties.
Revised UFC Perth Fight Card
- Carlos Ulberg vs Dominick Reyes
- Jimmy Crute vs Ivan Erslan
- Jack Jenkins vs Ramon Taveras
- Jake Matthews vs Neil Magny
- Justin Tafa vs Louie Sutherland
- Tom Nolan vs Charlie Campbell
- Navajo Stirling vs Rodolfo Bellato
- Cameron Rowston vs Andre Petroski
- Jamie Mullarkey vs Rolando Bedoya
- Colby Thicknesse vs Josias Musasa
- Michelle Montague vs Luana Carolina
- Brando Pericic vs Elisha Ellison
- Loma Lookboonmee vs Alexia Thainara
