Kelvin Gastelum and Jamie Varner Off UFC on Fox 9 Fight Card with Injuries

The UFC on Fox 9 fight card scheduled for Dec. 14 in Sacramento continues to take hits with two more fighters having to withdraw from the event due to injuries.

When the event was originally being planned, UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis was expected to face TJ Grant, but Grant was not medically cleared from a concussion suffered in training to compete and Josh Thomson was slated to fight for the title instead.

On Nov. 10, it was announced that Pettis had suffered a knee injury, pushing the fight with Thomson back to a later date.

On Tuesday, it was revealed that two more fighters have fallen victim to injuries and have been removed from the lineup.

USA Today first reported the developments and the fighters later confirmed the news via Twitter.

The Ultimate Fighter 17 winner Kelvin Gastelum was expected to face The Ultimate Fighter 11 winner Court McGee, but an injury in training will keep Gastelum sidelined for four to six weeks.

So I guess news is out. I tore my PCL and will need about 4-6 weeks recovery. Good news is I won’t need surgery. I’m really bummed tho

— Kelvin Gastelum (@KelvinGastelum) November 12, 2013

UFC lightweight Jamie Varner was scheduled to face Pat Healy but an injured shoulder has forced Varner to withdraw from the fight.

I guess the word got out so I thought I’d let everyone know last weds sparring I tore my rotator cuff and will be out a few weeks! Sorry ;(

— Jamie Varner (@jamievarner) November 12, 2013

The UFC is currently seeking replacements for McGree and Healy.

The event is now headlined by the rematch for the flyweight title between champion Demetrious Johnson and top contender Joseph Benavidez. The two first fought at UFC 152 in September 2012 with Johnson winning by split decision.