Ian McCall out at UFC Fight Night 37, replacement opponent sought for Brad Pickett

Flyweight Ian McCall has been forced to withdraw from next month’s UFC Fight Night 37 event, and promotion officials are currently seeking a replacement opponent for Brad Pickett.

UFC President Dana White revealed the change at a media luncheon in Las Vegas, which MMAjunkie attended.

Featuring a light heavyweight matchup between Alexander Gustafsson and undefeated striking specialist Jimi Manuwa, UFC Fight Night 37 takes place March 8 at London’s O2 Arena. The entire 10-fight event streams on UFC Fight Pass in the U.S.

Pickett, who’s won four “Fight of the Night” bonuses in six UFC fights, is currently ranked No. 5 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA bantamweight rankings. However, with losses to contenders such as Michael McDonald and Eddie Wineland during his current 3-2 run, the 35-year-old Englishman is looking to make his flyweight debut.

Meanwhile, the 29-year-old McCall recently halted a three-fight winless streak (a draw and loss to Demetrious Johnson, as well as a defeat to Joseph Benavidez) with a unanimous-decision win over Iliarde Santos in August. “Uncle Creepy” picked up a “Fight of the Night” bonus for the effort. However, he’s now pulled out of two consecutive bouts after being forced to withdraw from a planned matchup with Scott Jorgensen that was slated to take place at December’s UFC on FOX 9 event.

For more on UFC Fight Night 37, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Ian McCall)