UFC 296 News: Top Welterweight Ready to Save Scrapped Main Card Bout

Originally posted on FanNation MMA Knockout | Last updated 12/14/23

Nothing has been officially scheduled yet, but Vicente Luque could potentially still compete at UFC 296 this Saturday after his opponent Ian Machado Garry withdrew from the event during fight week.

The matchup between Luque and the unbeaten Garry was set to take place on the UFC 296 main card and was one of the most highly-anticipated bouts on the UFC's year ending PPV event.

“The Future” did not appear at media day the week of UFC 296, and later that day it was announced that the Irishman had pneumonia and his fight with Luque had been scrapped.

Finding a suitable replacement to take on the #9-ranked Luque on just a few days’ notice is certainly a tall order for the UFC, but top welterweight contender Kevin Holland says that he’s ready to step in and face the Brazilian at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Luque expressed nothing but respect for Garry following the news of the unbeaten fighter's illness but was obviously disappointed at not being able to compete, and “The Silent Assassin” was quick to respond to Holland’s offer and even said he’d be willing to fight at a catchweight of 180 lbs.

A matchup with the #12-ranked Holland would certainly make sense for Luque considering their respective places in the welterweight division. “Trailblazer” is also one of the more popular fighters on the UFC roster, and his addition to UFC 296 could help to bolster the promotion’s final card of the year following Garry’s withdrawal.

One other candidate that’s been discussed to potentially step in and face Luque is Belal Muhammad, who currently sits at #2 in the welterweight rankings and avenged a 2016 loss to the Brazilian when the pair met in the main event of a UFC Fight Night last year.

“Remember the Name” is in Las Vegas to weigh in as the backup fighter for the UFC 296 main event between welterweight king Leon Edwards and Colby Covington, and even if Muhammad is prepared to compete on Saturday night he may be hesitant to jeopardize his current winning streak by taking a short-notice bout with Luque.

This article first appeared on FanNation MMA Knockout and was syndicated with permission.

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