Ian Heinisch out of UFC 250, Gerald Meerschaert vs. Anthony Ivy in the works

Ian Heinisch won’t be fighting at UFC 250.

Originally scheduled to fight Saturday against Gerald Meerschaert, Heinisch (13-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC) withdrew from the bout Thursday. The reason pertaining to Heinisch’s departure from the lineup is not clear at this time.

Sources close to the situation informed MMA Junkie of Heinisch’s departure and Ivy’s entry, but asked to remain anonymous since the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. MMA Fighting was the first to report Heinisch’s removal. Combate was the first to report Ivy’s entry.

Stepping into Heinisch’s spot is WXC welterweight champion Anthony Ivy. Ivy (8-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC), a Texas based fighter, has won five straight bouts entering his UFC debut. In his most recent outing, the 30-year-old fighter derailed highly-touted prospect Willis Black III by fourth-round knockout.

Meerschaert (31-12 MMA, 6-4 UFC) has won two of of his most recent three bouts. A Roufusport product, Meerschaert most recently defeated Deron Winn at UFC 248 in March.

With the change, the UFC 250 lineup now includes:

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)

Champ Amanda Nunes vs. Felicia Spencer – for women’s featherweight title
Raphael Assuncao vs. Cody Garbrandt
Cory Sandhagen vs. Aljamain Sterling
Neil Magny vs. Anthony Rocco Martin
Sean O’Malley vs. Eddie Wineland

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)

Alex Caceres vs. Chase Hooper
Anthony Ivy vs. Gerald Meerschaert
Brian Kelleher vs. Cody Stamann
Charles Byrd vs. Maki Pitolo

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)

Jussier Formiga vs. Alex Perez
Devin Clark vs. Alonzo Menifield
Herbert Burns vs. Evan Dunham