MFC 37 Heavyweight Headliner Scratched After Chris Barnett Fails Pre-Fight Medicals

Chris Barnett will be unable to compete for the Canadian promotion’s vacant heavyweight title on Friday, as three holes were found in one of Barnett’s retinas. The Edmonton Combative Sports Commission has concluded that it is unsafe for Barnett to compete, according to an official release from the MFC.

As a result, Barnett’s bout with Smealinho Rama has been scratched, and a bantamweight showdown between Anthony Birchak and Ryan Benoit will now occupy the headlining slot. MFC 37 takes place May 10 at Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, and will also see Bellator and “Ultimate Fighter” veteran Sam Alvey lock horns with UFC alum Jay Silva. The evening’s main card airs live on AXS TV.

According to MFC President Mark Pavelich, Rama will be paid his show money and will receive a title fight in short order.

“Rama is such a talented young fighter and on top of that a really good kid,” Pavelich said in the official release. “I promised him that he’s not going anywhere. He’s the undisputed No. 1 contender, and he’ll get that title shot right away.”