Taylor Lapilus’ anticipated return to the UFC ring has encountered a hiccup.
Insiders in the know confirmed to MMA Hook’s Mike Heck that Muin Gafurov can no longer compete in the planned bantamweight match against Lapilus, set for this upcoming Saturday at UFC Paris. The reason behind Gafurov’s last-minute exit? Visa complications.
The initial scoop was dropped by La Sueur.
To keep Lapilus in the lineup, the UFC is actively scouting for a replacement opponent.
At 31 years old, Lapilus is gearing up for his first UFC fight since his hiatus began in September 2016. Upon his departure, he boasted an impressive 3-1 record within the UFC, and his last win under the promotion was a unanimous decision against Leandro Issa. Since then, he’s been making waves on an international scale, fighting in countries like France, Canada, Russia, and Germany. And get this, he’s been on fire, holding a 7-1 record in his last eight bouts.
As for Gafurov, the former LFA bantamweight titleholder and a notable presence in the ONE Championship, was hoping to secure his first win in the UFC octagon. His last outing ended in a unanimous decision loss to John Castaneda just this past June.
So if you were planning to tune into UFC Paris this Saturday at Accor Arena, keep an eye out for the headline match—it’s a heavyweight clash between Ciryl Gane and Serghei Spivac. But also, stay tuned for who steps up to face Lapilus because that’s going to be its own kind of drama!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC Paris
Who was originally supposed to fight Taylor Lapilus at UFC Paris?
Muin Gafurov was the original opponent set to face Taylor Lapilus in a bantamweight bout at UFC Paris.
Why is Muin Gafurov no longer participating in the UFC Paris event?
Muin Gafurov has been forced to withdraw from the UFC Paris event due to visa complications.
Who first reported about Muin Gafurov’s withdrawal from UFC Paris?
The news about Muin Gafurov’s withdrawal was first reported by La Sueur.
Is the UFC looking for a new opponent for Taylor Lapilus?
Yes, the UFC is actively seeking a new opponent to keep Taylor Lapilus on the card for the UFC Paris event.
When was the last time Taylor Lapilus fought in the UFC?
Taylor Lapilus last competed in the UFC in September 2016.
What is Taylor Lapilus’ recent fighting record?
Since leaving the UFC in 2016, Taylor Lapilus has competed in France, Canada, Russia, and Germany. He has accumulated a record of 7-1 in his past eight fights.
Who is headlining the UFC Paris event?
The UFC Paris event is headlined by a heavyweight bout between Ciryl Gane and Serghei Spivac.
Was Muin Gafurov looking for his first UFC win?
Yes, Muin Gafurov was aiming to secure his first victory in the UFC. His most recent fight in the promotion was a unanimous decision loss to John Castaneda in June.
Where is the UFC Paris event taking place?
The UFC Paris event is scheduled to happen at the Accor Arena.
What happened in Muin Gafurov’s last UFC fight?
In his last UFC appearance, Muin Gafurov lost by a unanimous decision to John Castaneda this past June.
More about UFC Paris
- MMA Hook’s Original Report on Gafurov’s Withdrawal
- La Sueur’s Initial Breaking News
- Taylor Lapilus’ UFC Profile
- Muin Gafurov’s UFC Profile
- UFC Paris Official Announcement
- Ciryl Gane’s UFC Profile
- Serghei Spivac’s UFC Profile
- Details on Visa Issues Affecting MMA Fighters
10 comments
Man, visa issues seem to be more deadly than a rear-naked choke these days. Hope they sort it out.
Ah, man! Muin Gafurov dropping out is a let down. That fight had fireworks written all over it. Now who’s gonna step up to the plate?
oh come on, not again! visa issues? Seriously? ruins the excitement.
the heavyweight headline is cool and all, but I was honestly more excited for this fight. Hope they find a replacement soon.
just when you think the fight card is set, life throws a jab at you. Can’t wait to see who they find to replace Gafurov!
Gafurov lost his last one but I was hoping for a redemption story here. Guess we gotta wait for that.
Man, this is a real bummer. Was looking forward to seein’ Lapilus back in the octagon. Visa issues are such a pain, right?
Lapilus has been killing it lately. 7-1 is no joke. Whoever steps up to fight him better be ready!
Lapilus vs Gafurov could’ve been the fight of the night. Too bad we won’t see it. But hey, more drama, more excitement for a new matchup, right?
Been following Lapilus for a while, and man, his return to UFC is much anticipated. Hope the new opponent is worth the wait.