With just hours to go before the start of UFC Auckland, there’s been a late bout cancellation. Lightweights Thibault Gouti and Dong Hyun Kim were scheduled to open up the preliminary card, but that will not longer be happening. Here’s the official statement from the UFC.
“On the advice of physicians, and with the athlete’s health and safety in mind, UFC has removedThibault Gouti from his bout today against Dong Hyun Kim at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Hunt in Auckland, New Zealand due to illness.
UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Hunt will proceed with 11 bouts.”
Gouti (11-3) has yet to win inside the Octagon, losing all three of his fights by stoppage. The Frenchman did make weight for this event, but it’s unknown of the effects of the cut caused him to be removed. Kim (14-8-3) will presumably be paid at least his show money.
With Gouti-Kim off the card, JJ Aldrich vs. Chan-Mi Jeon will be the only bout streamed live on UFC Fight Pass, with the start time pushed back to 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT.
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