Mike Malott‘s fight against Gilbert Urbina at UFC Denver on July 13 has been cancelled due to Urbina’s withdrawal, and Malott, dealing with an injury, will be re-booked for a later date.
Mike Malott will have to wait for his chance to rebound from his first UFC loss.
MMA Fighting confirmed with sources that Malott’s upcoming fight with Gilbert Urbina has been canceled. The welterweight bout was set for UFC Denver on July 13.
Sportsnet initially reported the news.
Sources told MMA Fighting that Urbina withdrew, though the reason remains unclear. Malott won’t face a new opponent at UFC Denver and is expected to be re-booked later this year.
Malott released a video explaining he’s been dealing with a difficult injury. Although Urbina pulled out first, Malott and his team decided it was best not to stay on the July 13 card.
Watch Malott discuss the situation below.
Malott (10-2-1) has emerged as one of Canada’s most promising fighters in years. He earned a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021.
He began his UFC career with three straight wins, all finishes, before facing Neil Magny at UFC 297 this past June. The 32-year-old was ahead on the scorecards through two rounds but lost late in the third round to Magny’s experience and endurance.
It was Malott’s first loss since October 2014.
Mike Heck contributed to this report.