The UFC on ESPN 13 fight card — commonly known as UFC Fight Island 1, the first Abu Dhabi event following UFC 251 this past weekend — is down a fight. That’s due to light heavyweight Kenneth Bergh pulling out of his fight with Jorge Gonzalez.
MMA Viking was first to report the news Tuesday morning. Opponent Gonzalez did hit the scales at the event’s official weigh-in, making weight successfully at 205lbs. He’s expected to earn his show money for the event.
Bergh’s reason for withdrawal appears to be health complications related to his weight cut. The Norwegian fighter took the bout just weeks’ notice.
Perhaps best known for a 2016 appearance on The Ultimate Fighter, Bergh (8-0, 1NC) has never lost as a pro. After dropping a fight to Eric Spicely on the reality fighting series, he has won five straight. However, a turn on the Contender Series nearly resulted in his first loss — Bergh was initially submitted by Brazil’s Antonio Trocoli.
Trocoli picked up the UFC contract, but tested positive for anabolic steroids and was quickly cut by the promotion. The fight’s result was overturned to a No Contest.
UFC Fight Island 1 takes place Wednesday night on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The event is headlined by a featherweight bout between Calvin Kattar and Dan Ige.
