BJ Penn Injury Leads to Cancellation of UFC Manila Event | MMAWeekly.com

The UFC has cancelled next week’s UFC Fight Night: Lamas vs. Penn event after BJ Penn was forced out of the main event due to injury.

The news of Penn’s withdrawal broke on Wednesday. After contemplating possible alternatives, UFC officials on Thursday announced that it would reschedule the event originally slated for Saturday, Oct. 15 in Manila, Philippines.

Penn, a UFC Hall of Famer, had planned to make his return from retirement opposite Ricardo Lamas in a five-round featherweight main event.

“I suffered a rib injury in training and I apologize to the fans in Manila who were expecting to watch me compete,” Penn said. “I hope to be back in the Octagon soon.”

Athletes scheduled to compete on the Oct. 15 card will be rebooked at upcoming UFC events in the near future, according to UFC officials. Each athlete set to compete on Oct. 15 will also receive compensation due to the card being rescheduled.

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With its 2016 calendar finalized, UFC officials will discuss future dates for the event.

“SMLEI and UFC will continue to work together in the future to deliver exciting live events for fans,”  Edgar Tejerero, President of SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. said.

Fans who have purchased tickets to the event should seek refunds at the point of purchase.

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