Sam Alvey and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Mauricio Rua were set to meet in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night Sao Paulo, but Alvey suffered an injury and was forced to withdrawal from the event.
The fighter has since taken to Instagram to issues a statement on the situation, saying a broken hand is what lead to to withdrawal:
Here is a transcript of what Alvey said in the video, provided by MMA Junkie:
“I’m here to tell you some unfortunate news, I broke my hand the other day in practice punching a guy in the head. It wasn’t a good punch. Maybe it was a great punch? He’s fine. So it wasn’t that good of a punch. Unfortunately I have to pull out of my fight with “Shogun.” It’s heartbreaking. Hand breaking and heart breaking. It’s a fight I’ve wanted my whole career. He’s just such an incredible athlete, such an incredible fighter. I was excited to share the octagon with him and I’m so sorry “Shogun” for you and your team. I don’t mean to do this to you. Whoever they get to replace me I hope you win that fight then you and I can run it back. We’ll make it a great one someday. Good luck on the rest of your camp. I’m going to heal as fast as I can and I’ll be back in that octagon as fast as I can be. Thank you for all your support.”
UFC Fight Night Sao Paulo takes place on Saturday, November 16 from the Ibirapueroa Gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil with Jan Blachowicz and Ronaldo Souza headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which streams live on ESPN+.
