We are a few weeks away from Dana White’s Contender Series Episode 31, but the card has taken a hit as JP Buys is off the show and will not be fighting Nate Smith.
MMA Junkie first reported the news, stating that Buys was unable to acquire an Employment Authorization Document (temporary worker permit) to fight Smith. Buys applied for the document in early-2020, but the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has slowed the process of obtaining the permit.
Buys was going to have his second chance on the Contender Series. The fighter lost to Joby Sanchez in the first season of the show. Newly crowned Legacy Fighting Alliance flyweight champion Jimmy Flick is reportedly the front runner to replace Buys against Smith.
The fighter is married to the United States-born Cheyanne Buys, who competes later this season on the Contender Series.
Dana White’s Contender Series Episode 31 takes place on Tuesday, September 1 from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cody Brundage and William Knight will headline. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which streams live on ESPN+.
