A heavyweight division attraction between Tanner Boser and Giacomo Lemos has pulled pulled from tomorrow night's UFC 240 card.
Boser announced the news via Facebook, citing a failed drug test for Lemos:
Here is the full statement provided by Boser:
?I am absolutely devastated to learn that I will not be fighting in two days at UFC 240. My bitch made opponent Giacomo Lemos tested positive for a banned substance and it is too late to find a replacement as weigh ins are tomorrow morning. I thought it was strange that Lemos wouldn?t make eye contact with me at all whenever I saw him at the hotel. I know now that it?s because he?s a coward. UFC has told me that they will get me on a future card as soon as they can. I am so so sorry to all my friends and family who paid good money for tickets to come out and watch my UFC debut. I am beyond bummed.?
MMA Junkie, after speaking with a UFC official, is reporting that the bout is off, but did not confirm the claim of a failed drug test by Boser.
The fighter also revealed via Facebook that the UFC and Reebok paid him the show money and sponsorship money:
This is what Boser wrote:
?Also I have to say that it?s very awesome of the UFC to still pay me my show purse, as well as Reebok for still giving me my sponsorship money in addition to all the clothes and gear. I appreciate that very much. I am available to fight any time and will fight anyone. Thank you UFC and thank you Reebok. This week was very smooth and professional and while I am extremely disappointed to not be able to compete, I am excited to fight for you in the hopefully very near future. Soon, The Bulldozer?
UFC 240 takes place on Saturday, July 26 from Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with Max Holloway and Frankie Edgar headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.