Tom Breese has pulled out of a scheduled clash with Ian Heinisch at UFC London.
Heinisch first brought word of the cancellation via social media on Saturday morning due to health issues for Breese. As a result, UFC Fight Night 147 will move forward with 12 bouts. Breese vs. Heinisch was scheduled for the preliminary card.
“Our apologies to Ian and team we have total admiration and respect in how he’s handled this situation,” Breese’s management wrote in a statement released to MMAFighting.com.
“Tom will need some time to sort things out, he’s an amazing young talent and has the full support of both myself and his team. Right now we wish everyone competing in tonight’s fights the very best of luck and a big thank you to the UFC for their understanding.”
A former welterweight competitor, Breese hit the scales without issue on Friday, clocking in at 186 pounds.
Breese hasn’t competed since May 2018, when he earned a first-round technical knockout victory against Daniel Kelly at UFC Fight Night 130. The 27-year-old Englishman is 11-1 as a professional and 4-1 in the UFC.
Heinisch earned a UFC deal with a first-round knockout of Justin Sumter on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series this past July. He debuted in the Octagon with a decision win over Cezar Ferreira at UFC Fight Night 140 to improve his career mark to 12-1.
“I was 100 [percent] physically and mentally ready for tonight. I worked so hard for this fight,” Heinisch wrote on Instagram. “My coaches, manager, teammates, family and sponsors came out to support me through this whole process. Unfortunately my opponent is going through some health issues right now and he pulled out of the fight. Even though I am so heartbroken and so angry at him. I know God has a bigger plan and I pray he is okay.”