Midnight Mania! Sorry ‘Thug Nasty,’ But Topuria Scores ‘Dynamite’ For Dec. 17

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When Movsar Evloev was forced to withdraw from his scheduled main event against Bryce Mitchell, Ilia Topuria was immediately selected by fans as the potential replacement. The two quickly began jawing at one another, but unfortunately, it appears as if UFC has moved in another direction. Instead of fighting Mitchell on Nov. 11, Setanta Sports report that Topuria will instead battle Featherweight veteran Dan Ige on Dec. 17 at a “Fight Night” event inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The reason for the switch up? Though contracts are not yet signed, Topuria discussed all the changes on his Instagram. Per “El Matador,” weight was the primary issue. He couldn’t make 145-pounds on such short-notice, he offered to fight Mitchell at Lightweight, but “Thug Nasty” declined, and UFC was unwilling to push the match up back so that Topuria could cut to Featherweight.

Instead, Ige will be his dance partner in December.

Undefeated (12-0) as a professional, Topuria has stormed out the gate to start his UFC career, winning four straight fights including a trio of knockouts. The jiu-jitsu specialist has real power in his hands, and after a one-off at Lightweight, Topuria will look to break into the Featherweight rankings by taking out Ige.

Dan Ige (15-6) is the tenth-ranked Featherweight contender. Times have been tough, however, as Ige has lost his last three to a murder’s row of competition. The ultra tough Hawaiian is definitely in need of a win, but he’s still a highly respected member of the 145-pound roster.

Any predictions on who gets their hand raised?

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Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.