Intervertebral disc injury forces Paige VanZant vs Jessica Eye cancellation for UFC 216
The highly anticipated flyweight matchup between Jessica Eye and Paige VanZant at UFC 216 next weekend is now cancelled. MMA Fighting reports that VanZant suffered a intervertebral disc injury while training jiu-jitsu. She will not need to undergo surgery.
The fight would have been a first at 125-pounds for both women while with the UFC.
Eye was supposed to take on UFC newcomer Aspen Ladd on the Ultimate Fighter Season 25 Finale in July, however Ladd, who was coming from Invicta Fighting Championships fell ill the day of the contest and the fight was scrapped.
A disappointed Eye immediately announced her move down to flyweight soon after the cancellation. The Ladd fight was supposed to be Eye’s first since losing her fourth straight fight at bantamweight. She now holds an 11-6 professional record.
VanZant was moving up from strawweight where she most recently lost to Michelle Waterson in the main event at UFC on FOX 22 in December 2016. “12 Gauge” currently sits at 7-3 as a professional, 4-2 in the UFC.
The women’s flyweight division is new to the UFC. The first champion will be crowned at the end of season 26 of TUF later this year.
UFC 216, which is set for Oct. 7 in Las Vegas, will now proceed with 12 fights.
