Marvin Vettori will not be fighting fellow middleweight contender Brendan Allen next month as anticipated, and “The Italian Dream” has now opened up about his withdrawal from the fight.
Vettori vs. Allen was set to headline the UFC’s April 6, 2024 Fight Night event, just one week before the massive UFC 300.
In a video clip posted to social media, however, Vettori confirmed that he was out of the bout, citing an undisclosed injury.
“I got hurt. It was kind of a freak accident, and I can’t go into a fight hurt. It’s the first time that I’m pulling out of any bout. I’m super sorry to all my fans, and to everybody that was looking forward to [seeing] this fight happen. Trust me, I’m the first one that wanted this fight cause I wanted to put my hands on this guy.”
“At the same time, sh*t happens and you gotta roll with it,” Vettori added. “Nothing we can do. I’m gonna focus on recovering as fast as I can, as best as I can, and I’m gonna be back. This sh*t means everything to me and I never pulled out of any of my fights, even in my amateur career. I can just tell you that I’ll be back stronger then ever, and we’ll run it back.”
Vettori then addressed Brendan Allen, referring to him as “my f*cking opponent,” stating that “it’s on. You’re not gonna hide no more. I know I’m gonna see you. Either in the cage or not. I’ll see you around. I’m fed up with all your bullsh*t. You sit down in front of a computer and become hulk. When you see me you’re like a quiet little girl. All smiles, trying to be nice.”
“I punked you once already, you know that. I sat down and told you, you got knocked out twice with these two dudes. You know what happened over there. You funny looking thing, man. You look like you came out of a Griffin episode. It’s on. I’m your big show. You’re gonna beg me for another shot. I don’t give a f*ck about fighting you. I’m making you a favor. I’ll smash your face just because you look funny to me. That’s it, I’ll see you soon.”
There’s no word on a replacement opponent for Allen or if he’ll stay on the April 6 card. As for Marvin Vettori, the former 185lb title challenger is looking to bounce back from a loss to Jared Cannonier, which he suffered last June.
