UFC Manila scrapped following Penn's withdrawal

The UFC announced Thursday it will cancel and attempt to reschedule UFC Fight Night 97 in Manila, Philippines after the promotion failed to find a replacement for an injured BJ Penn.

Penn had been scheduled to end his retirement in a headlining featherweight bout against Ricardo Lamas before suffering a rib injury. The event was set for Oct. 15.

With the promotional release stating the remainder of this year's fight program has been finalized, the UFC may not return to the Philippines until the new year.

Fighters who were scheduled to appear on the card will be compensated for their efforts and preparation, with their fights being rebooked for upcoming events. Those who purchased tickets to the event have been encouraged to seek out refunds.

The last UFC event to be cancelled was UFC 176, with injured featherweight champion Jose Aldo bowing out of his main-event fight against Chad Mendes just one month prior. The promotion has scrapped three fight nights in its 23-year history.