Figueiredo Out, Nascimento Steps In To Face Jake Hadley

Scheduled to take place on March 19, Jake Hadley (8-0) was to make his official UFC debut against the younger Figueiredo. Hadley confirmed that ‘Sniper’ was out of the bout in an Instagram post on Friday.

“Figueiredo injured his p**sy apparently. UFC said the only flyweight on the roster willing to step up is experienced Brazilian Allan Nascimento (18-6) after I finish this guy I want a ranked opponent next. March 19th tune in for the debut of the future King.” 

Stepping in to face Hadley in March is Allan Nascimento (18-6) who has two fights under the UFC banner. The first was an appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2018 where he lost a split decision to Raulian Paiva. Three years later, he would get another shot inside the Octagon at UFC 267, but once again lost via split decision, this time to Tagir Ulanbekov. 

First Impressions

Hadley appeared on the Oct. 12 episode of Dana White’s Contender Series. In his bout, Hadley scored a submission victory over Mitch Raposo in the second round. While his performance was contract-worthy, many were surprised when the UFC President called his name. Hadley missed weight during the weigh-ins by a full pound. Historically if a fighter does not make weight, they won’t earn a contract.

That rule was thrown out the window by White, an action that caused Sean Shelby and Mick Maynard to storm out of the APEX in Las Vegas. When White awarded the contract, he noted that Hadley was “an a**hole” to members of the UFC staff during the fight week. When asked about White’s comments, Hadley was not sure he could speak on the situation, but was apologetic and said it was a “total misunderstanding.”

The UFC event on March 19 is expected to take place at the 02 Arena in London, England. Bouts currently scheduled for the event include:

• Jack Shore vs. Timur Valiev
• Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Tom Aspinall
• Molly McCann vs. Luana Carolina
• Muhammad Mokaev vs. Cody Durden
• Elise Reed vs. Cory McKenna
• Makwan Amirkhani vs. Mike Grundy

Card subject to change.

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