The scale has taken a big bite out of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s pay-per-view show on Saturday.
At the UFC 291 weigh-ins on Friday, Michel Pereira stepped on the scales for his welterweight matchup against Stephen Thompson (170.5) heavy. Missing by three pounds, the promotion and the fighter teams entered into prolonged negotiations. Whether due to medical issues, Thompson’s camp declining the contest or a failed agreement regarding fines and purses, the fight has been canceled. UFC commentator Megan Olivi broke the news shortly before the ceremonial weigh-in show on Friday night. Per UFC.com, the heavyweight slobberknocker between Derrick Lewis and Marcos Rogerio de Lima has been bumped up to the main card.
The marks the second time that the Brazilian has missed weight since joining the league in 2019. He first came in a pound over the welterweight cap in 2019 against future featherweight Tristan Connelly, and ended up losing a decision and his portion of the “Fight of the Night” check along with receiving a fine of his fight purse. Now three pounds above the non-title maximum of 171 pounds, this fight will no longer take place. It is unclear whether Pereira will be required to shift up to middleweight, or if the promotion is planning on remaking this matchup on a future show.
The 40-year-old Thompson was aiming to make his first appearance of the year at UFC 291. He last competed in the main event of UFC on ESPN 42, where he forced Kevin Holland’s corner to wave off the fight at the end of Round 4. That victory snapped a two-fight decision streak to Belal Muhammad and Gilbert Burns. Prior to the Burns defeat, Thompson had rattled off a pair of bonus-winning performances against Vicente Luque and Geoff Neal in 2019 and 2020, respectively. UFC 291 will carry on with 11 matches at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
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