Chris Weidman vs Eryk Anders has been canned from UFC 309 just hours before they were due to step foot in the Octagon.
Former UFC middleweight champion Weidman was one of the highest-profile names on the card but he won’t be competing tonight after Anders suffered a last-minute medical issue.
The extent of his medical issue was not disclosed but UFC icon Chael Sonnen claimed on the UFC broadcast that had resulted from something Anders ate.
“One bit of not-so-great news, due to a medical issue involving Eryk Anders, his middleweight prelim with Chris Weidman is now off,” said commentator Jon Anik during the prelims.
“Urgh, that’s a bummer for Weidman because Weidman’s comeback has been so brutal and so hard, he’s gone through 30 surgeries to get where he is now and for him the day of the fight to have it called off, it’s terrible,” added Joe Rogan.
Weidman won his first fight since August 2020 when he defeated Bruno Silva via technical decision in March but he will have to wait a little while longer to build on that momentum.
This came after he lost to Brad Tavares in his first fight back following a two-year lay-off from the sport after breaking his leg against Uriah Hall in 2021.
Reacting to the news that his fight with Anders had been called off, Weidman said in a video uploaded to social media: “Hey what’s going on guys, unfortunately, I just got a phone call from Hunter Campbell that my fight with Eryk Anders is off.
“Eryk apparently got sick and is not going to be able to fight.
“I am super bummed out, I felt so good for this fight, I was so ready.
“My head is spinning right now that this is happening, I was about to walk to the arena, just said the prayers with my family.
“Yeah, just felt so good and I was so excited to put on a show at Madison Square Garden, I am so gutted.
“But I just want to wish Anders [the best]. I hope he gets better soon and I want to apologise to all the friends, family and fans that spent a lot of money to come out here and watch me fight tonight.
“Unfortunately, it is not going to be happening anymore. Really sucks and I am sorry.
“I’ll keep you guys in the loop of what is next. I appreciate you guys for always supporting me.”
Anders is yet to issue a statement of his own at the time of writing.
