March 29, 2024

Gilbert Burns vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier scratched from UFC on FOX 28

Jul 7, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gilbert Burns celebrates his victory against Lukasz Sajewski during UFC Fight Night at MGM Grand Graden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports

Gilbert Burns has been pulled from UFC on FOX 28.
Guilherme Cruz, MMA Fighting

A lightweight bout between Gilbert Burns and Olivier Aubin-Mercier has been scratched from the fight card of UFC on FOX 28.

The UFC announced the news Wednesday following an initial report by FloCombat. In astatement released by the organization, the UFC explained that upon Burns’ arrival to fight week, the promotion’s medical team “determined that it would be unsafe for Burns to cut additional weight necessary to meet the 156-pound limit,” and thus pulled the Brazilian off the Feb. 24 card.

According to sources, Burns arrived in Orlando weighing 186 pounds. The UFC is currently hoping to reschedule him on the April 14 UFC on FOX 29 card. Aubin-Mercier is expected to fight sooner.

Burns (13-2), a former welterweight, has not missed weight in any of his seven fights with the UFC.

The 31-year-old jiu-jitsu ace was looking to capitalize on the momentum of his recent knockout win over Jason Saggo in September at UFC Pittsburgh. In total, Burns holds a 5-2 record in the UFC, a run highlighted by submission victories over Alex Oliveira and Lukasz Sajewski.

His opponent, Aubin-Mercier (10-2), will now have to wait for a another opportunity to extend his recent hot streak. The Canadian TUF alum was set to ride a three-fight win streak into UFC on FOX 28 over the likes of Thibault Gouti, Drew Dober, and Tony Martin.

UFC on FOX 28 takes place Feb. 24 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. A matchup between featherweight contenders Josh Emmett and Jeremy Stephens headlines the show, which airs live on FOX.

With Burns vs. Aubin-Mercier off the card, UFC on FOX 28 will proceed as a 12-fight event.

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