The New York Athletic Commission is developing something of a reputation for being an industry leader in fighter restrictions. From things as potentially justifiable as concerns over Rashad Evans’ MRIs, down to things as weird as suspending a fighter for jumping out of the cage after a win, UFC events in the Empire State seem to come with a certain amount of bureaucratic mystery attached.

And the latest fighter to feel the weight of their regulation? UFC heavyweight Luis Henrique.

“KLB” as he is also known, was preparing to face Marcin Tybura at UFC 208 this Saturday, February 11th in Brooklyn, New York. But, just over a week out from the event, he was pulled from the card. The reason: Corrective eye surgery he underwent a year ago, shortly after his UFC debut loss to Francis Ngannou.

“The athletic commission surprised me by saying I couldn’t fight due to my surgery,” Henrique told MMA Junkie. “They claimed that because of the type of incision, and the way it heals, it could come out of place. I asked my doctor, and she said that’s impossible. There’s no way.”
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“My doctor told me this procedure is very, very common,” he said. “I was very nearsighted. I waited my entire life for the surgery. I waited until my prescription stabilized so I could have it done. So when the opportunity came up for me to do it, I went ahead. I had it done right after facing Francis Ngannou.”

And the result isn’t just that he won’t be fighting this weekend, but now his options for UFC bookings appear to have become severely limited. As Rashad Evans has found out, once one commission won’t clear you, others are often quick to follow their lead. Henrique spelled out just what that means for his future, telling Junkie that he now expects to only get licensed in Brazil, Nevada, and Illinois.

Whether that actually ends up being the case long term remains to be seen, but if so it could put a major damper on the career of one of the UFC’s youngest rising heavyweights.