UFC cuts Will Chope, cancels Fight Night 38 bout against Diego Brandao

That was fast.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has released featherweight prospect Will Chope less than 24 hours before his UFC Fight Night 38 bout against Diego Brandao, which was expected to take place on Sunday, March 23, 2014, inside Nelio Dias Gymnasium in Natal, Brazil, according to Combate.

Don't blame the hotel buffet.

Chope (19-6) came under fire on Friday night (March 22) after news broke that he was discharged from the United States Air Force back in 2011 for assault. "The Kill," as he's known in mixed martial arts (MMA) circles, attacked his wife with a knife while serving in Guam.

Chope released a statement via Facebook:

"My fight has been canceled for a five year old mistake I made. I am truly sorry to all the fans and will do everything I can to make this right. I have spoken with my ex-wife on the phone and she supports what I am doing and together we will make a formal press release as soon as I get back to the USA on Wednesday."

This is not unfamiliar territory for UFC.

Current light heavyweight contender Anthony Johnson was arrested for domestic battery back in 2009 (details), while lightweight banger Abel Trujillo had his charge for domestic abuse dug up by a snooping culinary union in 2012 (more on that here).

And I'm still not sure what happened in that mess with Phil Davis.

Brandao (18-9) is expected to receive his show and win money after the promotion left him high and dry (through no fault of his own). And considering he went through an entire fight camp just to watch from the sidelines, "DB" is likely to get a new fight at one of the upcoming events in April or May.

Time will tell.

For more on the UFC Fight Night 38: "Shogun vs. Henderson 2" event on FOX Sports 1, including live results and play-by-play, click here and here. To get more information on the details surrounding Chope's military discharge click here.