UFC 186 has got to be one of the most troubled cards ever for the world’s largest MMA promotion. TJ Dillashaw was originally slated to defend his title against Renan Barao in a rematch for the main event but that got delayed.
The card, which is taking place in Canada, also had Hector Lombard vs. Rory MacDonald, a massive name in his native country, but that fight got scraped after Lombard failed a drug test and MacDonald got shipped to UFC 189.
Add in a few more injuries to undercard fighters and it is a recipe for disaster and disappointment. It got so bad that apparently fans could seek out a refund on tickets if they wished.
To make matters worse Bellator recently put in an injunction against Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson making his UFC return which was granted by a court.
But now yesterday it was revealed that ‘Rampage’ will indeed fight this weekend after the UFC said that the court lifted the junction and are allowing him to fight.
“We are happy with the decision from the New Jersey Court allowing Rampage to fight in Montreal this Saturday night,” UFC President Dana White said via press release. “I am looking forward to seeing Rampage back in the Octagon.”
‘Rampage’ will face Fabio Maldonado in the co-main event of UFC 186 in a catchweight fight at 215lbs.
Alan’s Angle: A massive boost to the card this weekend. The main event is flyweight title fight between Demetrious Johnson (c) and Kyoji Horiguchi and although the champ is one of the best fighters on the planet he doesn’t draw a crowd. The loss of MacDonald and Lombard was a big hit as was the original title fight between Dillashaw and Barao.
The return of former champ and Pride legend ‘Rampage’ is a big selling point and to lose that would’ve been a major setback, in fact it was, but with him back on the card even at this late of notice it is somewhat redeeming of the UFC.