UFC to pay Drakkar Klose show money, promotional compliance after Jeremy Stephens cancellation

Drakkar Klose didn’t fight at UFC on ESPN 22 but will be compensated for a portion of his potential fight night earnings.

Wednesday, a person with knowledge of the agreement informed MMA Junkie that Klose (11-2-1 MMA, 5-2 UFC) will still be paid his show money and promotional compliance pay despite his fight vs. Jeremy Stephens being canceled hours before this past Saturday’s event. That person requested anonymity because UFC officials have not formally announced the deal.

ESPN was the first to report the news.

At this past Friday’s weigh-in, Klose was on the receiving end of a shove from Stephens (28-18 MMA, 15-17 UFC) at the ceremonial faceoffs, which he later stated rendered him unable to compete. According to Klose, he suffered a concussion and a neck sprain as a result of the unexpected push, and was forced to withdraw from the fight.

On the UFC on ESPN 22 broadcast, the promotion announced its plans to reschedule the fight for a later date. At the time of publication, no progress has been made in rebooking the two fighters.

UFC on ESPN 22 took place this past Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The main card aired on ESPN after prelims on ESPN/ESPN+.