UFC Vegas 97 experiences a setback.
It was announced by promotion officials on Wednesday that Ovince Saint Preux has been forced to withdraw from his light heavyweight bout against Ryan Spann due to illness. Consequently, the event will proceed with a 12-fight card.
Saint Preux, a former UFC interim title challenger with a record of 27-17, has had a mixed run in recent years. Despite facing challenges, he managed to secure victories in two of his last three fights, including wins over Mauricio Rua and Kennedy Nzechukwu.
On the other hand, Spann, with a record of 21-10, is facing his own difficulties. The 33-year-old Contender Series alum has suffered three consecutive losses to Nikita Krylov, Anthony Smith, and Bogdan Guskov, the latest being a second-round knockout.
Scheduled for September 7 at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, UFC Vegas 97 will be headlined by a welterweight clash between Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady.