After losing headliner, UFC 196 shifts from pay-per-view to FOX Sports 1

Next week’s UFC 196 event will come without the usual hefty pay-per-view price tag.

After losing a headlining heavyweight title fight earlier this week, the event now instead will air on FOX Sports 1. Yahoo! Sports first reported the plans, citing UFC President Dana White.

UFC 196 takes place Feb. 6 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. Following early prelims on UFC Fight Pass, the remainder of the card is now slated for FOX Sports 1.

Initially, the main card was expected to air on PPV with its $50-$60 price tag. Instead, it’s now free for anyone who has a cable or streaming package that includes FOX Sports 1.

On Monday, former heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez (13-2 MMA, 11-2 UFC) pulled out of his rematch with current titleholder Fabricio Werdum (20-5-1 MMA, 8-2 UFC). Stipe Miocic (14-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) then stepped in as a replacement, but citing foot and back injuries, Werdum then also pulled out of the event.

A few folks, including ex-light heavyweight champion Jon Jones (21-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC), had offered to step in as part of a long-shot scenario.

Instead, the planned co-headliner between former welterweight champion Johny Hendricks (17-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) and fellow contender Stephen Thompson (11-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) will take the top spot on the card. Hendricks actually pitched such a scenario earlier today.

For more on UFC 196, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.