BREAKING: Kennedy Nzechukwu Out of UFC Vegas 105 Bout Against Martin Buday

Fight fans, we’ve got some disappointing news dropping just days before UFC Vegas 105. Light heavyweight prospect Kennedy Nzechukwu has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled main card bout against Martin Buday this Saturday night.

I’ve been covering the fight game for years, and last-minute pullouts always sting – especially when they impact a card that was already facing criticism for lacking star power.

What Happened to Kennedy Nzechukwu?

While the UFC hasn’t officially disclosed the specific reason for Nzechukwu’s withdrawal, sources close to the situation indicate it may be injury-related. The Nigerian-born fighter had been looking to build momentum after his impressive KO win over Ovince Saint Preux last December.

This marks another setback for “The African Savage,” who has struggled with consistency despite showing flashes of serious potential in the octagon. At 6’5″ with a devastating 83″ reach, Nzechukwu remains one of the most physically imposing prospects in the division.

What This Means for Martin Buday

For Buday, this is undoubtedly frustrating news. The Slovakian heavyweight was hunting for his fifth consecutive UFC victory and likely viewing Nzechukwu as his ticket to the heavyweight rankings.

I’ve watched Buday’s development closely, and he’s quietly assembled one of the better win streaks in the division. Now he’s left in limbo just days before he was set to showcase his skills on a main card slot.

Will UFC Find a Replacement?

With the event just days away, the UFC matchmakers face the challenging task of potentially finding a last-minute replacement. Having covered dozens of these situations, I can tell you that finding someone willing to step in against a skilled heavyweight on short notice is no easy feat.

Several names could potentially answer the call – fighters either already in training camp or those known for their willingness to compete on short notice. However, the window is rapidly closing for a viable replacement to clear medicals and make weight.

UFC Vegas 105 Card Impact

This cancellation is particularly troublesome for a UFC Vegas 105 card that was already thin on recognizable names. The event, headlined by Amanda Lemos vs. Virna Jandiroba, now loses one of its more intriguing main card matchups.

If no replacement is found, the promotion will likely elevate a bout from the prelims to fill the gap. This constant shuffle is something hardcore fans have grown accustomed to, but it remains a frustrating aspect of following the sport.

What’s Next for Both Fighters?

For Nzechukwu, the focus now shifts to recovery and rebooking. The UFC typically tries to reschedule these matchups when injuries aren’t severe, so don’t be surprised if we see this bout rescheduled for early 2024.

Buday faces the tough choice between accepting a potential last-minute replacement or waiting for a new booking altogether. Given his current win streak, the safer play might be waiting for a properly prepared bout rather than risking his momentum against a new opponent on days’ notice.

The Bottom Line

These last-minute cancellations are an unfortunate reality in combat sports. I’ve seen countless fighters pour their heart and soul into training camps only to have circumstances beyond their control derail their plans.

For fans planning to tune into UFC Vegas 105 this Saturday, the card continues to evolve. We’ll keep you updated if the UFC announces a replacement opponent for Buday or if the bout is scrapped entirely.

Are you disappointed about this fight falling through? Who would you like to see step in against Buday on short notice? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: UFC Official Announcement