UFC 303 disaster continues as Dolidze in for injured Ulberg
Carlos Ulberg will not fight Anthony Smith at UFC 303 on June 30, with the Kiwi injuring himself in training this week.
Instead, Roman Dolidze will step up with eight days’ notice to fight Smith at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“I regret to announce my withdrawal from UFC 303,” a post from Ulberg said on Saturday morning.
“I suffered an injury during training this week and my medical team have advised that extended time is required to heal.
“We look forward to return in spectacular form and a step closer to the top.
“I appreciate all of your support.”
The light heavyweight’s withdrawal is the latest in a string of reshuffles for the UFC 303 card.
UFC 303 reshuffles continue
Initially, the event was scheduled to be headlined by Conor McGregor’s return to the UFC.
The Irishman announced that he could not compete due to an injury, however, leading to Jiri Prochazka stepping in for the main event instead.
Even more adjustments took place in the co-main event. Initially intended to be a bout between Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree, it then became Hill vs Ulberg when Rountree failed a drug test.
Last week, Hill suffered an injury pitting Ulberg against Anthony Smith. Now, with Ulberg’s injury, Smith will face middleweight Dolidze instead, who steps up a weight class.
UFC bookmakers are barely able to keep up with the changes.
Currently, no odds are available for Smith vs Dolidze.
When betting markets do emerge, the odds for this clash should be tight.
Smith is a natural light heavyweight, but he has a far from enviable record. He’s 38-19 as a professional fighter and 13-9 in the UFC.
Dolidze, on the other hand, is stepping up from the middleweight division. He’s 12-3 in his career and 6-3 in the UFC. The Georgian will be looking to snap a two-fight losing streak on Saturday.
