Shogun, Six Others Scratched From UFC 250

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Yesterday we told you that Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bantamweight title contender, Jose Aldo, was sent to the sidelines after being ruled ineligible for the upcoming UFC 250 pay-per-view event, expected to take place on May 9 at Tachi Palace Resort.

Looks like “Junior” will be getting some company.

Also getting benched were light heavyweight rivals Mauricio Rua and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, according to MMA Fighting, along with Bethe Correia, Augusto Sakai, Carlos Felipe, and Ketlen Vieira. Their respective opponents are all in search of potential replacements and no doubt time is of the essence.

The shake up comes in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, which forced the closure of consulates across Brazil. That means local fighters like Rua have been unable to apply for a work visa to travel to (and compete in) the United States after the promotion relocated UFC 250 to California.

UFC is looking to secure a private island to help deal with international fighters unable to get into the United States; however, it does not look as though that yet-to-be revealed location will be ready in time for UFC 250.

Stay tuned.