EDMONTON – The lone heavyweight bout scheduled for UFC 240 has been taken off the card.
Tanner Boser (16-5-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) claims opponent Giacomo Lemos (5-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has failed a drug test, causing their matchup to be canceled. The Canadian released a statement on social media explaining his disappointment in the situation (via Facebook):
I am absolutely devastated to learn that I will not be fighting in two days at UFC 240. My bitch made opponent Giacomo Lemos tested positive for a banned substance and it is too late to find a replacement as weigh ins are tomorrow morning. I thought it was strange that Lemos wouldn’t make eye contact with me at all whenever I saw him at the hotel. I know now that it’s because he’s a coward. UFC has told me that they will get me on a future card as soon as they can. I am so so sorry to all my friends and family who paid good money for tickets to come out and watch my UFC debut. I am beyond bummed.
MMA Junkie confirmed with a UFC official that Boser vs. Lemos will no longer be part of the event, but would not comment on whether a failed drug test was the culprit.
Nevertheless, Saturday’s event will now feature just 11 fights.
UFC 240 is set for Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass.
For more on UFC 240, check out the UFC Schedule section of the site.
