UFC 196 shifts from PPV to FOX Sports 1 after Werdum, Velasquez drop out

UFC 196 will air on FOX Sports 1 instead of on pay-per-view after champion Fabricio Werdum and former champion Cain Velasquez pulled out of the event.

Werdum (20-5-1), the current heavyweight champion, was slated to defend his title against former champion Velasquez (13-2). However, Velasquez opted out of the fight on Monday, at which time Stipe Miocic (14-2) was slated to fight as a replacement.

A day later, Werdum also withdrew from the event due to back and foot injuries.

Former welterweight champion Johny Hendricks (13-2) and Stephen Thompson (11-1) will now square off in the main event.