UFC 309 has reportedly encountered an unforeseen disruption, with a scheduled matchup being scrapped just 10 days before the event.
According to a recent report by MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz, Lucas Almeida has been pulled from his scheduled featherweight clash with David Onama due to unspecified reasons. With only a week’s notice, the UFC is now scrambling to find a replacement to take on the “Silent Assassin.”
Onama is coming off consecutive victories over Gabriel Santos and, most recently, Jonathan Pearce this past April — though he did miss weight for that bout. The 30-year-old Ugandan fighter currently boasts a solid Octagon record of 4-2.
Meanwhile, Almeida is fresh off a dominant unanimous decision victory over Timmy Cuamba in July, a much-needed rebound after suffering back-to-back losses to Andre Fili and Pat Sabatini last year.
The 33-year-old Brazilian signed a new contract with the UFC in August, but unfortunately, he will have to wait a bit longer before making his return. Currently, he holds a UFC record of two wins and as many losses.
UFC 309 is set to take place on Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with reigning heavyweight champion Jon Jones defending his title against Stipe Miocic in a highly anticipated main event.
