It was announced earlier today that Nohelin Hernandez will replace Sean O?Malley and fight Marlon Vera this weekend at UFC 239.
However, it would appear that Hernandez wasn?t the first fighter the UFC approached to take the short notice opportunity against Vera, as that first chance allegedly went to Drako Rodriguez.
Rodriguez was apparently ready to accept the short notice fight, but was denied the opportunity by the promotion he is currently contracted to and that promotion is King Of The Cage (KOTC).
Brian Butler-Au of Sucker Punch Entertainment, who now represents Rodriguez, shared the fighter?s story through Instagram:
There has been no comment from KOTC officials as to why Rodriguez was allegedly denied the opportunity to compete at UFC 239.