Cody Garbrandt needs a new opponent.
MMA Fighting confirmed with a source with knowledge of the promotion’s plans that Julio Arce is out of his upcoming matchup with Garbrandt, which was scheduled for UFC 285 on March 4 in Las Vegas. The news was first reported by Eurosport.
According to the source, Arce was forced to withdraw due to an undisclosed injury “that will require surgery and about a six-month rehab.”
It is not yet known if a replacement opponent will be sought out to keep Garbrandt on the UFC 285 card or if he will be rescheduled.
Garbrandt had been scheduled twice to face Rani Yahya , but Yahya pulled out of both fights. Garbrandt has not fought since December 2021.. His flyweight debut saw “No Love” lose via TKO in the first round to Kai Kara France. Garbrandt was returning to bantamweight in the Arce fight. He won an 2016. UFC title.
Arce went 1-1 in 2022, earning a unanimous decision over Daniel Santos at UFC 273 and then losing on the scorecards against Montel Jackson at UFC 281.
Mike Heck helped to create this report.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/1/30/23577747/julio-arce-out-of-cody-garbrandt-fight-at-ufc-285?rand=96749
