Velasquez out of UFC 207 due to NSAC medical suspension
Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum's heavyweight bout at UFC 207 will not happen after Velasquez was ruled out by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) for medical reasons, sources told ESPN's Brett Okamoto.
Velasquez initially denied that he'd been removed from the event, but NSAC executive director Bob Bennett later confirmed on record that the heavyweight's license has been suspended.
"The financial incentive for fighters to compete is strongly compelling, and it is the responsibility and obligation of this commission to intervene when excessive risks are evident," the NSAC said in a statement. "It's obvious Mr. Velasquez is physically compromised and competing would place him in significant physical risk."
The UFC confirmed Velasquez had been removed from the card, while also announcing the promotion won't replace the fight, meaning UFC 207 will go ahead with 10 bouts.
It also appeared the NSAC scrapped the bout before informing either fighter, as Velasquez was confused by the report:
Was just cleared by Dr 30 mins ago and then he conferenced the Nevada Athletic Commision and spoke to them and recleared me with them.
— Cain Velasquez (@cainmma) December 24, 2016
Not sure what is going on... #ufc207
— Cain Velasquez (@cainmma) December 24, 2016
Velasquez was set to undergo surgery in early January due to back pain during training, with the 34-year-old resorting to marijuana derivative cannabidiol to dull the pain. However, he insisted he'd be healthy enough to fight Werdum.
The former champion will instead lose his chance to avenge a loss to Werdum from UFC 188 last year.
Ronda Rousey will make her return in the main event on Dec. 30 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, facing off with bantamweight champion Amanda Nunez.