Story updated on 6/21/2019 at 11:30 a.m. ET with additional information on why Lineker was forced to withdraw.
The rematch between Rob Font and John Lineker won’t be taking place at UFC on ESPN+ 12 after all.
The two ranked bantamweight fighters were slated to meet in the co-main event of Saturday’s card in Greenville, S.C., but the bout has been scrapped after Lineker was forced to withdraw.
Two people with knowledge of the situation told MMA Junkie of the development early Friday morning. They asked to remain anonymous since the UFC has yet to make an official announcement.
ESPN later reported that a cut Lineker suffered over his left eye late Thursday night was the culprit.
With the extremely late notice, UFC officials were unable to secure Font (16-4 MMA, 6-3 UFC) a new opponent, and he did not weigh-in at Friday morning’s official proceedings.
Font and Lineker (31-9 MMA, 12-4 UFC) first fought each other at UFC 198 in 2016, with the Brazilian earning a three-round unanimous decision win.
Font, 31, originally was slated to face off with Cody Stamann at UFC on ESPN+ 12. However, “The Spartan” was forced out of the bout due to injury.
Lineker stepped in on just three weeks’ notice to replace Stamann. The 29-year-old slugger was looking to rebound from a close split-decision loss to Cory Sandhagen in April.
For more on UFC on ESPN+ 12, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
