Elias Theodorou will unfortunately have to wait until December for his next UFC bout.
Theodorou was set to face Antonio Carlos Junior at UFC Sao Paulo on Sept. 22 in Brazil. Nearly three weeks ahead of the scheduled bout, Carlos Junior has reportedly pulled out of the fight with an undisclosed injury, according to MMA Fighting. The report says that the bout is to be rescheduled for UFC 231 in Toronto.
Despite the report, Theodorou's meeting with the Brazilian is still reflected on the fight card. Theodorou, however, took to social media to confirm the news after receiving an apology from his opponent due to the circumstances.
Carlos Junior says he meant "no disrespect" to Theodorou, who is on a two-fight win streak, citing that it was "simply impossible" to be able to fight. It's a string of unfortunate luck for Carlos Junior after his UFC 227 fight against Derek Brunson was scrapped following the latter's eye injury.
The Canadian ultimately dropped a hint on where their rescheduled bout could take place.
Hey @caradesapatojr I appreciate your message and humbly accept. This is an unforgiving sport and wish you a speedy recovery.... maybe we'll be fighting in my neck of the woods next. ;) https://t.co/ezbPSdJjLz
— The Mane Event™ (@EliasTheodorou) August 28, 2018
Theodorou, a Mississauga native, had his sights set for a spot on the Toronto card. After his latest win, UFC middleweight Eryk Anders called Theodorou out pleading to meet at UFC 231, and the 30-year-old was intrigued. But the latest cancellation put a damper on those plans.
The rescheduled matchup is the latest fight to reportedly be added to the card.
Brian Ortega confirmed that the UFC is working towards a featherweight title fight with current champion Max Holloway. Canadian Olivier Aubin-Mercier is already announced for the event, as is Windsor's Chad Laprise, who is fighting Dhiego Lima.