The UFC’s long-awaited return to Canada has taken another hit.
Chris Daukaus is off UFC 289, as he’s withdrawn from his light heavyweight debut vs. Khalil Rountree due to injury. The event takes place June 10 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia.
A person with knowledge of the withdrawal recently informed MMA Junkie but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.
Daukaus (12-6 MMA, 4-3 UFC) was enthused to make his debut at 205 pounds, a move he hinted at prior to his final fight at heavyweight. He would’ve entered UFC 289 looking to snap a three-fight skid.
It is unclear if Rountree (11-5 MMA, 7-5 UFC) will remain on the card, but if he does, he’ll seek his fourth straight victory after consecutive wins over Modestas Bukauskas, Karl Roberson, and Dustin Jacoby.
With the change, the UFC 289 lineup includes:
- Amanda Nunes vs. Irene Alanda – for women’s bantamweight title
- Beneil Dariush vs. Charles Oliveira
- Adam Fugitt vs. Mike Malott
- Dan Ige vs. Nate Landwehr
- Eryk Anders vs. Marc-Andre Barriault
- Chris Curtis vs. Nassourdine Imavov
- Khalil Rountree vs. TBA
- Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Miranda Maverick
- David Dvorak vs. Stephen Erceg
- Blake Bilder vs. Kyle Nelson
- Aiemann Zahabi vs. Aori Qileng
- David Dvorak vs. Stephen Erceg
- Diana Belbita vs. Maria Oliveira
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 289.
