In a dramatic turn of events, the UFC Sao Paulo fight card experienced a significant shake-up.
Rodolfo Vieira was set to compete against Armen Petrosyan…
However, fate had other plans as Petrosyan succumbed to illness right in the midst of the event’s live broadcast, leading to a last-minute withdrawal.
However, this was not the sole hiccup for the event – as two other bouts were scrapped due to weight-cutting issues, with Victor Hugo and Ismael Bonfim missing their marks; leading to a reduced main card of just five fights.
Brian Butler-Au, Petrosyan’s manager, took to Twitter to express the unfortunate situation, stating:
Unfortunately our client Armen Petrosyan caught a virus or something back stage and has to pull out of his fight tonight in UFC São Paulo.
UFC said they will look to get him back in right away as soon as he is cleared.
Unfortunately our client Armen Petrosyan caught a virus or something back stage and has to pull out of his fight tonight in UFC São Paulo. UFC said they will look to get him back in right away as soon as he is cleared.
— Brian Butler-Au (@BrianButler_Au) November 5, 2023
Rodolfo Vieira, whose career had been a rollercoaster of wins and losses after an undefeated streak, was looking to build upon a recent victory over Cody Brundage.
The unexpected exit of his opponent not only halted this momentum but also left the fighter and fans in a state of disappointment.
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