Next month’s first UFC event in Liverpool is in search of a rejigged main event after Gunnar Nelson announced that he has been forced to withdraw from his bout with Neil Magny slated for the event in the Echo Arena.
The Icelandic welterweight announced via social media that he picked up a knee injury during his preparation for the bout on May 27th and will undergo an operation to repair the damage. He expects to be out of action for a period of 8-10 weeks.
“Unfortunately I have to withdraw from my fight against Neil Magny on May 27th in Liverpool,” Nelson wrote on Facebook.
“Last weekend I injured my knee. I will undergo an operation right away and I´ll be out for 8-10 weeks. I’m sorry to my family, my opponent, my teammates, the fans and the UFC.
“This is a huge blow to me and I’m at a loss for words to describe the disappointment I am feeling. I was really feeling up for this fight, the training camp was going great and everything was just perfect until this happened.
“When all is said and done this is the fight business and injuries are sometimes an unfortunate part of it given the physical rigors us athletes put our bodies through. I will keep on evolving as a fighter while I’m on the sidelines and I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Magny responded on his Twitter account, offering commiserations for the injury and wishing Nelson well in his recovery.
That's the unfortunate side to this sport! Heal up man, wish you a speedy recovery.
— Neil Magny (@NeilMagny) April 29, 2018
There is no indication as of yet if a new opponent will be sought for Magny, though the American indicated that he “hopes” a replacement fight can be made. UFC Liverpool takes place in less than one month, May 27 from the Echo Arena in Liverpool.
