It’s been a weird week for UFC fight announcements, as just days after Renato Moicano revealed he hadn’t yet inked his signature on a headlining bout announced for April, it appears to have happened again.
This time, UFC officials announced Gavin Tucker vs. Doo-Ho Choi for UFC Winnipeg on April 18. A fight almost certain to be a fan-pleasing affair full of fireworks, only there was just one problem:
Tucker hadn’t signed his bout agreement, and was later reported to be retired.
The UFC’s Korean-language social media channels posted a graphic alongside the bout announcement. Choi has since stated that the promotion is looking for a replacement opponent for the fight.
News of Tucker having retired, and not signing his bout agreement, was first reported by Eurosport’s Marcel Dorff.
Sources had previously informed Cageside Press that Tucker (13-3) was being lined up for a bout at UFC Ottawa, which would have put him closer to home. “The Guv’nor” hails from Newfoundland on the east coast. Tucker last fought in 2023, losing to two-time featherweight title challenger Diego Lopes. That marked the second of back-to-back losses for the Canadian, following a setback against Dan Ige.
Tucker posted a 4-3 record in his time with the UFC. He picked up a Performance of the Night bonus for his finish of Justin Jaynes in August of 2020.
