After openly discussing concussion symptoms ahead of UFC Vegas 74, Jared Gordon is now out of his fight with Jim Miller. And despite the fight being just two days away, a replacement has been found.
Lightweight Gordon had stepped into the fight on short-notice, looking to bounce back from a No Contest suffered in April when he was knocked unconscious due to an accidental headbutt in his fight with Bobby Green.
During Wednesday’s media day, Gordon revealed that “I had a minor concussion, but I got over the symptoms fairly quickly,” adding that he had taken supplements and spent time in a hyperbaric chamber to assist in his recovery.
“At this point in my career, sometimes you’ve got to risk it a little bit to get what you want. I think a little bit of risk is not too bad,” Gordon added. “I’m risking it anyway got in there even if I didn’t have that outcome six weeks ago.”
Gordon’s comments may have raised a red flag with the athletic commission, with multiple sources telling Cageside Press that the concussion concerns were behind Gordon’s removal from the card.
In his place, newcomer Jesse Butler (12-4) is stepping up to face Miller, the most experienced fighter in UFC history. Eurosport was first to report Butler’s addition to the card. David Van Auken of Fight Bananas was first to report the Gordon was off the card.
Miller is entering his 42nd UFC fight this Saturday, again extending his record for most fights in the promotion’s history. Miller debuted with the company at UFC 89 in 2008, and appeared at both UFC 100 (2019) and UFC 200 (2016). With UFC 300 set to arrive sometime next year, there’s a good bet Jim Miller takes part.
UFC Vegas 74, meanwhile, goes down this Saturday at the UFC Apex with flyweights Kai Kara-France and Amir Albazi headlining.
