Ray Borg is off the UFC on ESPN 10 card.
On Thursday, Borg (13-5) was expected to take part in the media day for this Saturday’s Fight Night event, which is headlined by Jessica Eye and Cynthia Calvillo. However Borg did not appear as scheduled. Nor did opponent Merab Dvalishvili, for that matter.
UFC officials subsequently confirmed to the media that Borg, who fought just a month ago at UFC Jacksonville, had withdrawn from the card. No specific reason for the withdrawal was given beyond “personal reasons.”
However, the promotion has confirmed that a replacement for Merab Dvalishvili is being sought. That is expected to be announced shortly.
Borg faced Ricky Simon back on May 13, in a losing effort that snapped a two-fight win streak. It was his first fight back at 135lbs. Borg has been plagued in recent years by fight cancellations, withdrawals, and just plain bad luck — though of late he seemed to be past all that.
Dvalishvili (10-4) has been on a solid run lately. The Georgian fighter, who trains out of Serra-Longo alongside Aljamain Sterling and others, has won three straight bouts inside the octagon. His most recent fight came back in February when he defeated Casey Kenney at UFC Rio Rancho.
Update: Borg dropping out of the fight appears to be due to a family matter and the health of his son, based on a recent social media post. The former flyweight title challenger will be replaced by Gustavo Lopez, per MMA Junkie. Lopez (11-4) previously fought for Combate Americas. He’s their reigning bantamweight champion.
