Volkan Oezdemir issues his first comments on not competing as originally scheduled at the upcoming UFC Stockholm (also known as UFC on ESPN+ 11) event.
The former title contender was supposed to fight Ilir Latifi in a light heavyweight bout that would’ve served as the co-main event. On Thursday, it was revealed that Latifi had to pull out of the fight due to a back injury. Aleksandar Rakic vs. Jimi Manuwa in a light heavyweight bout has been moved up to the co-headliner.
Volkan Oezdemir Issues Statement
Oezdemir has taken to social media to release a statement on the news. He wrote the following on his official Instagram account:
“On weight and more than ready to fight Saturday. Unfortunately, my opponent @ilirlatifigot injured and the bout was canceled,” he wrote. “I wish him a speedy recovery and I want to thank all of you for the amazing support! #UFCStockholm#NoTime.
Coming into the fight, Oezdemir was making a quick turnaround after dropping a third straight loss to Dominick Reyes at UFC London. He’s looking to rebound and get back on the path to a title shot.
On the flip side, Latifi is fresh off a loss to Corey Anderson at UFC 232 in a unanimous decision defeat. His last win came at the expense of Ovince Saint Preux in February of 2018.
