Moldovan heavyweight Serghei Spivac isn’t exactly known for long speeches or lengthy answers when speaking to the media.
So it was no surprise to see the UFC Vegas 68 headliner defer to opponent Derrick Lewis, when asked what happened to scuttle their original match-up back in November.
“I don’t know, that’s not a question for me, it’s a question for Derrick,” Spivac (15-3) stated during Wednesday’s media day, asked about the highly unusual bout cancellation.
Lewis vs. Spivac, as it was originally booked, was called off with UFC Vegas 65 already underway. Practically unheard of for a main event.
As for when Spivac himself learned of the news, “about ten minutes before I was to leave my hotel room,” he revealed.
Regarding what story he was given about the cancellation, initially said by the promotion to be non-COVID related, “there’s a lot of things that I was told, but he’s the only one that knows the truth,” Spivac stated. “So I didn’t bother thinking about that.”
During Lewis’ own media appearance on Wednesday, he suggested COVID was in fact to blame. After falling ill, he still wanted to compete — and didn’t actually test positive for the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) until returning home.
Spivac’s reaction to Lewis pulling out was far from irate. “I’m very understanding about whatever happened, because we’re not doing a simple job here,” Spivac said. “So I wish him nothing but the best.”
As for any worries about a similar mishap ahead of UFC Vegas 68 this Saturday, “I don’t think about that,” Spivac replied. “I’m ready for everything.”
Watch the full UFC Vegas 68 media day appearance by Serghei Spivac above.
