Just a few minutes before UFC 216 was set to begin, one of the main bouts on the main card has been called off. The heavyweight fight between Fabricio Werdum and Derrick Lewis will not take place on the card, reportedly due to an injury to Lewis’ back. UFC announcer Jon Anik broke the bad news on Twitter:
Fabricio Werdum v. Derrick Lewis is off due to an injury to one of the fighters. First fight now 4PM PT. #UFC216
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) October 7, 2017
And MMA Junkie’s John Morgan provided some clarification:
Injury is believed to be an aggravation of Lewis’ back, but no official word yet.