In a disappointing turn of events for UFC Vegas 100, the highly anticipated co-main event featuring Ricky Turcios and Bernardo Sopaj has been canceled due to a medical emergency involving Turcios. This cancellation comes just hours after both fighters successfully weighed in, adding to the frustrations surrounding this milestone event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Originally set to take place on November 9, UFC Vegas 100 was already facing challenges, having lost its initial co-main event when former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt withdrew from his bout against Miles Johns earlier in the week.
🚨| BREAKING: Per Brendan Fitzgerald, Ricky Turcios vs. Bernardo Sopaj is OFF #UFCVegas100 as Turcios has a medical issue.
The card goes in with 11 fights. pic.twitter.com/KFamYRJxzi
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) November 8, 2024
The cancellation of Turcios vs. Sopaj marks yet another blow to an event that was supposed tobe a great night of fights at the UFC Apex. The stakes were high for Turcios, who has struggled with consistency in recent fights, sporting a record of 1-2 in his last three outings. Sopaj, on the other hand, was looking to bounce back from a knockout loss in his promotional debut earlier this year. The matchup was seen as crucial for both fighters as they aimed to establish themselves within the bantamweight division.
With the co-main event now scrapped, UFC officials have announced that the fight between veteran Gerald Meerschaert and former ONE Championship titleholder Reinier de Ridder will be elevated to fill the co-main slot. This matchup promises to deliver excitement as both fighters are known for their grappling skills and finishing abilities. Meerschaert enters the octagon with a wealth of experience, while de Ridder is looking to make a statement after transitioning from ONE Championship to the UFC.
The main event remains intact, featuring welterweights Neil Magny and Carlos Prates in a matchup that could have significant implications for both fighters’ careers. Magny holds the record for the most wins in UFC welterweight history and is looking to rebound from a recent loss against Michael Morales. Prates, on a ten-fight winning streak with nine finishes, is considered a rising star in the division and comes into this fight as a heavy favorite.
The early weigh-ins also revealed some additional drama leading up to fight night. Women’s bantamweight fighter Melissa Mullins missed weight by one pound for her bout against Klaudia Sygula, while newcomer Zach Scroggins came in three pounds heavy for his short-notice fight against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. These incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of fight week and the challenges fighters face in making weight.
Despite these setbacks, UFC Vegas 100 still features an exciting lineup with eleven fights scheduled. The card includes matchups that promise to deliver action and intrigue, including a middleweight clash between Mansur Abdul-Malik and Dusko Todorovic, as well as a strawweight bout between Gillian Robertson and Luana Pinheiro. Fans will be hoping that no further cancellations occur as they look forward to witnessing high-stakes battles inside the octagon.
