Deron Winn withdraws from UFC on ESPN 26, cites separated rib and torn cartilage
Deron Winn has withdrawn from UFC on ESPN 26.
An American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) product, Winn (7-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) announced his withdrawal from his July 17 fight against Phil Hawes in an Instagram post Monday.
“I am extremely saddened to announce that I have to withdraw from my fight on July 17th,” Winn wrote. “I know how annoying it is to be on the other end of this. I suffered a separated rib and torn cartilage in training last week. My team and I took some time, got the medical attention that was needed and made the decision today that I wasn’t healthy enough to compete without risking further injury. I’m sorry to my opponent and his team because I know they spent many hours preparing for this. My friends, family, and sponsors. I would never withdraw from a competition if it wasn’t something serious that I thought was critical. This was the best I’ve ever felt mentally, physically, and technically heading into a fight. I will take the time to heal but keep active so that I can hopefully book a date as soon as I’m healthy. All love to all who supports me.”
Winn’s message came shortly after an Instagram post by Hawes (11-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC), who wished his injured opponent well but also took a jab at a past comment that was made. Hawes posted a screenshot of an April 16 tweet by Winn. In the tweet, Winn jabbed Hawes when he took a short-notice fight against Kyle Daukaus in May – despite having the fight on the books.
It is not known, at this time, if Hawes will remain on the card against a replacement opponent.
The updated lineup for UFC on ESPN 26 now includes:
- Islam Makhachev vs. Thiago Moises
- Marion Reneau vs. Miesha Tate
- Mateusz Gamrot vs. Jeremy Stephens
- Dustin Stoltzfus vs. Rodolfo Vieira
- Abubakar Nurmagomedov vs. Daniel Rodriguez
- Gabriel Benitez vs. Billy Quarantillo
- Phil Hawes vs. TBA
- Amanda Lemos vs. Montserrat Ruiz
- Manel Kape vs. Ode Osbourne
- Sergey Morozov vs. Khalid Taha
- Don Madge vs. TBA
- Anderson dos Santos vs. Miles Johns
- Francisco Figueredo vs. Malcolm Gordon
- Alan Baudot vs. Rodrigo Nascimento
Deron Winn withdraws from UFC on ESPN 26, cites separated rib and torn cartilage