Al Iaquinta Replaces Injured Paul Taylor at UFC Fight Night 30; Taylor Retires Due to Injury

An injury has forced Paul Taylor out of his scheduled UFC Fight Night 30 bout against Anthony Njokuani.  Al Iaquinta will replace Taylor on the Oct. 26 fight card.  As a result of the injury, Taylor has decided to retire from fighting.

Long Island News Day first reported the injury. UFC officials later released a statement confirming the change of opponent and announcing Taylor’s retirement.

“Ultimate Fighting Championship can confirm that UK lightweight Paul ‘Relentless’ Taylor is retiring from the sport due to injury,” read the statement.

“Taylor, who has an MMA record of 11-6-1, was due to take on Anthony Njokuani at UFC Manchester 2013 in October, but injury forced him to withdraw from the bout.  Taylor has not fought since February 2011, where he defeated Gabe Ruediger via KO at UFC 126,” continued the press release.

“Winning Fight of the Night bonuses on three occasions, Taylor was known for his exciting striking style and was a very popular fighter among UFC fans.”

Originally from Walsall, England, Taylor also trained in Liverpool.  He made his UFC debut in 2007 in Manchester at UFC 70 where he defeated Edilberto Crocota via TKO in a welterweight bout.  He moved to the lightweight division in 2010.

“We would like wish Paul all the best from everyone at UFC and we look forward to seeing him at UFC events in the future,” the statement said.

UFC Fight Night 30 takes place at the Phones 4u Arena in Manchester, England. It is headlined by a middleweight match between contenders Michael Bisping and Mark Munoz.