The UFC is seeking a new opponent for [autotag]Tai Tuivasa[/autotag].
His originally scheduled UFC on ESPN 21 matchup, [autotag]Don’Tale Mayes[/autotag], will no longer be fighting Saturday. Mayes (8-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC) was not medically cleared and subsequently pulled from the event.
Two people with knowledge of the situation informed MMA Junkie of the change Wednesday but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement.
Don’Tale Mayes out of this weekend’s #UFCVegas22 event. Promotion currently seeking replacement opponent for Tai Tuivasa.
— John Morgan (@MMAjunkieJohn) March 17, 2021
Tuivasa (10-3 MMA, 4-3 UFC) most recently competed at UFC 254 in October when he snapped a three-fight losing skid with a first-round knockout of Stefan Struve.
UFC on ESPN 21 takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The main card airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN2.
MAIN CARD (ESPN, 10 p.m. ET)
- Derek Brunson vs. Kevin Holland
- Gregor Gillespie vs. Brad Riddell
- Tai Tuivasa vs. TBA
- Gustavo Lopez vs. Adrian Yanez
- Max Griffin vs. Song Kenan
- Cheyanne Buys vs. Montserrat Ruiz
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2, 7 p.m. ET)
- Macy Chiasson vs. Marion Reneau
- Grant Dawson vs. Leonardo Santos
- Roman Dolidze vs. Trevin Giles
- Montel Jackson vs. Jesse Strader
- Julia Avila vs. Julija Stoliarenko
- J.P. Buys vs. Bruno Silva
- Anthony Birchak vs. Johnny Eduardo