The hits just keep on coming for UFC 303. Earlier today, Benny P first reported and later also reported by Ariel Helwani that Carlos Ulberg (10-1) is out of the fight next weekend against former title challenger Anthony “Lionheart” Smith (38-19).
Per Helwani, Anthony Smith is hoping to stay on the card as of now and the promotion is working on a replacement. Roman Dolidze who is a top fifteen middleweight who lives and trains in Las Vegas is the current favorite in terms of replacement options, but that fight is not finalized.
This was a massive fight and spotlight for Ulberg but he’ll have to wait for another big fight after this one has fallen through. UFC 303 has taken a ton of hits but the promotion scrambled nicely last week to put together a new card which is headlined by Alex Pereira – Jiri Prochazka 2.
UFC 303
This featured light heavyweight fight has seen so many changes since the original fight was first announced. Former UFC champion Jamahal Hill was supposed to face Khalil Rountree. Then, Rountree tested positive for a banned substance and he was out of the fight. Carlos Ulberg stepped up to face Hill, but then Hill injured his knee.
That knee is where Anthony Smith jumped in only to have Ulberg now pull out of the fight at the last minute. We will be following this closely to see if Smith stays on the card and gets a new opponent.