Perth, Australia – UFC Perth has been hit with another significant setback, as a highly anticipated heavyweight clash was called off shortly before weigh-ins due to illness. This marks the second major cancellation for Saturday’s fight card in Australia within a matter of days.
Previously, rising star Oban Elliott`s bout against Jonathan Micallef was also scrapped after Elliott succumbed to illness. Now, the main card faces further disruption with the removal of Justin Tafa from his scheduled fight against debutant Louie Sutherland.
Justin Tafa vs. Louie Sutherland Scrapped Hours Before UFC Perth Due to Illness
Reports indicate that Justin Tafa was unable to make weight for his scheduled bout with Louie Sutherland due to illness, leading to its unfortunate cancellation. Sutherland, a former PFL and LFL champion, had generated considerable buzz among fans with his pre-fight antics and engaging personality, and will now have to postpone his highly anticipated UFC debut.
Justin Tafa, a polarizing figure in the heavyweight division, often draws mixed reactions from UFC fans regarding his involvement in prominent fights. With a professional record of 7-5, including more losses than wins inside the Octagon, Tafa was widely believed to be fighting for his spot in the promotion after suffering two consecutive defeats.
Conversely, British newcomer Louie Sutherland had quickly become a fan favorite. He successfully made weight at 259 lbs and captivated audiences with a humorous pre-fight promo video that many praised as superior to official promotional content. His engaging personality and explosive fighting style had quickly won over viewers, making his debut one of the most anticipated moments of the night.
The promotion officially confirmed the cancellation today, stating: “Due to illness, Justin Tafa has been removed from his heavyweight bout with Louie Sutherland. As a result, this bout has been cancelled.” The ongoing challenges with fighter health are proving to be a significant hurdle for the organization as UFC Perth approaches.
