Omari Akhmedov vs. Marvin Vettori has been nixed as the former is the latest fighter to be pulled from UFC 256, with his confirmed replacement being Ronaldo Souza. The reasoning behind Akmedov’s withdrawal is currently unknown.
Coming in, Souza is in the midst of a two-fight losing streak as the veteran has suffered losses to Jack Hermansson (via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 150) and Jan Błachowicz (via split decision at UFC Fight Night 164). The Brazilian has managed to get big victories in his last five fights as Souza beat former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman and Derek Brunson. His professional record currently stands at 26 wins and 8 losses.
UFC 256 takes place on Saturday, December 12 with Amanda Nunes (UFC Women’s Featherweight Champion) and Petr Yan (UFC Bantamweight Champion) set to defend their respective titles at the upcoming pay-per-view. Below is the advertised line-up thus far:
UFC Women’s Featherweight Championship: Amanda Nunes vs. Megan Anderson
UFC Bantamweight Championship: Petr Yan vs. Aljamain Sterling
Carla Esparza vs. Amanda Ribas
Marvin Vettori vs. Omari Akhmedov