Rogerio Bontorin is off UFC 252.
Originally, the flyweight was set to fight UFC newcomer Manel Kape at the pay-per-view; however, Bontorin has withdrawn from the upcoming bout. Combate is reporting Bontorin suffered an ankle injury, though neither Bontorin or UFC have publicly confirmed the news regarding his injury.
In terms of Manel Kape, he’s expected to remain on the UFC 252 card as officials are currently seeking a replacement for him on August 15. There’s no word on who could potentially step in to fight the former Rizin Bantamweight Champion.
Kape will be entering the contest on the strength of a three-fight winning streak. Mainly competing in Rizin Fighting Federation, the flyweight has beaten Seiichiro Ito (via TKO at Rizin 15), Takeya Mizugaki (via KO at Rizin 18), and Kai Asakura (via TKO at Rizin 20). His professional record currently stands at 15 wins and 4 losses.
Check out the updated line-up for UFC 252, with Daniel Cormier vs. Stipe Miocic for the UFC Heavyweight title as the main event:
MAIN CARD
Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier - UFC Heavyweight title
Junior Dos Santos vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Ion Cutelaba
Frankie Edgar vs. Pedro Munhoz
Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera
PRELIMINARY CARD
Livinha Souza vs. Ashley Yoder
Felice Herrig vs. Virna Jandiroba
Manel Kape vs. ???
Zelim Imadaev vs. Laureano Staropoli