With Sergey Khandozhko forced off the UFC Vancouver card, the promotion will have to scramble to find a replacement to face Brazil’s Michel Pereira.
The UFC Vancouver card, going down a week from today, has hit a small bump in the road. Originally reported by TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter, Sergey Khandozhko has been forced to pull out of the card due to a visa issue. That leaves Michel Pereira without an opponent, with precious little time to find a new one.
The UFC is, however, seeking a short notice replacement to face ‘Demolidor.’
Khandozhko (26-5-1) was set to make his second walk to the octagon in Vancouver, after making his debut earlier this year. The Russian welterweight made his debut at UFC Stockholm in June, where he fought his way to a unanimous decision victory over Rostem Akman.
Pereira (22-9) landed on most fan’s radar thanks to a bizarrely creative ROAD FC appearance earlier this year where he executed a moonsault during his fight with Dae Sun Kim. The Brazilian’s performance went viral, leading to the UFC snatching him up. He made his promotional debut at UFC Rochester back in May, pulling off another highlight reel showing. His flying knee knockout of Danny Roberts earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.
UFC Vancouver (UFC Fight Night 158) takes place Saturday, September 14 at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia. The card is headlined by a must-see lightweight showdown between Justin ‘The Highlight’ Gaethje and Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone.
