Tom Breese out of UFC London fight vs. Ian Heinisch…

Tom Breese out of UFC London fight vs. Ian Heinisch hours before bout

Lightning has struck again on Tom Breese, and not in a good way.

On the day of the fight, Breese is out of his middleweight bout against Ian Heinisch at UFC on ESPN+ 5. Breese (11-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) and Heinisch (12-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) were set to be part of the preliminary card of the event, which takes place today at The O2 in London. The entire card streams on ESPN+.

Health issues for Breese reportedly are the culprit, according to a post on social media by Heinisch on Instagram.

“I was 100% physically and mentally ready for tonight I worked so hard for this fight,” Heinisch posted. “My coaches, manager, teammates, family and sponsors came out to support me through this whole process. Unfortunately my opponent is going through some health issues right now and he pulled out of the fight.”

View this post on Instagram

I was 100% physically and mentally ready for tonight I worked so hard for this fight. My coaches, manager, teammates, family and sponsors came out to support me through this whole process. Unfortunately my opponent is going through some health issues right now and he pulled out of the fight. Even though I am so heartbroken and so angry at him 💔. I know God has a bigger plan and I pray he is okay. Thank you to all my family, friends, sponsors, manager, teammates and coaches I love you all and I am sorry I won’t be able to put a show on tonight! Thank you to @mickmaynard2 and the @ufc for the opportunity I’ll be back soon and more ready than ever! @ufc @factoryxmuaythaimma @landowperformance @erictelly @riglie @coachmarcmontoya @mcbusy @iridiumsportsagency @thehanyakdj @g_____1000 @joni_qualm @fitfuninsun @nsmock

A post shared by Ian Heinisch (@ianheinischmma) on Mar 16, 2019 at 7:27am PDT

Breese made weight Friday at the early and official weigh-ins, then later was at the ceremonial weigh-ins at The O2, where he faced off with Heinisch ahead of their bout.

Oddly enough, on this same weekend two years ago at UFC Fight Night 107, also in London, Breese was pulled from a planned fight against Oluwale Bamgbose for health issues on the day of the bout. And this past November, Breese pulled out of a fight against Cezar Ferreira at UFC Fight Night 140 about a week before the bout.

UFC officials have not yet made a formal announcement of the cancellation. The card will move forward with 12 bouts instead of the planned 13, with six on the ESPN+ prelims and six on the main card, also on ESPN+.