UFC lightweight division newcomer Wander Braga is having problems entering the United States and will be unable to fight Kurt Pelligrino at UFC Fight Night 9 on April 5, according to BloodyElbow.com.
As a result, the Brazilian has been scratched from the fight card on UFC.com -- a replacement has not been named.
It's apparently not the first time the bout has been postponed. And, Pelligrino's camp, The Armory, is none too pleased.
Here's a statement attributed to the Jupiter, Florida-based team:
"We received a call from the UFC this morning that Wander Braga once again pulled out of his fight with Kurt Pellegrino.
The first time Braga pulled out, Kurt and the team gave him the benefit of the doubt. Doing it again ... we have our doubts he ever was serious about fighting Kurt. It's too bad, because the UFC and its organization put alot of work into developing these cards. The fighters also prepare for a specific opponent in mind.
The UFC is doing their best to get a backup at this point. Whoever it is, Pellegrino will put on one hell of a show."
And, of course, a response attributed to Braga:
"I just got off the phone with Wander. Obviously, he's pissed at the bullshit armory is spewing.
The fact is that Wander had an interview scheduled with immigration for March. Yesterday his manager was informed by INS that the interview was postponed to April. He can't fight until he is legal to fight. Wander has taken every possible step with immigration in order for everything to be approved in time for the fight, but he doesn't have control over their actions. He wants this fight more than anyone, and he signed with the UFC because he is ready to fight anyone they put in front of him.
He said he would fight Pellegrino any time, and if he had the $10,000 he would gladly put it up."
With Braga apparently off the card it means that UFC matchmaker Joe Silva will have to scramble once again to find a last-minute replacement for the upcoming SpikeTV event.
Already, Frank Mir, Jeff Joslin, Anthony Torres and Hector Ramirez have had to withdraw from competition.
We'll let you know if and when an opponent for Pelligrino is announced. In the meantime, check out the most recent UFC Fight Night 9 fight card.
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