The UFC announced via their UK twitter moments ago that Ryan LaFlare has pulled out of the co-main event bout at UFC Dublin with Gunnar Nelson and will be replaced by Zak Cummings

“Ryan LaFlare is out of #UFCDublin. Gunnar Nelson will now face Zak Cummings.”- UFC_UK

Following his first round submission victory over Akhmedov at UFC Fight Night in London back in March, UFC president Dana White had strongly hinted at a top 10 opponent for Gunnar’s next fight, however, his original opponent Ryan LaFlare, was ranked 14 and his replacement Zak Cummings is unranked.

Opponents pulling out of fights is nothing new to Gunnar, who for his UFC debut had several different opponents pull out of the bout before eventually fighting Damarques Johnson.

We spoke to Gunnar’s head coach John Kavanagh to get his thoughts on the change of opponent

“I’m not going to lie that i’m a little disappointed, it’s not a more well known higher ranked fighters, but its becoming apparent that guys are not exactly lining up to fight Gunni. Can’t say I blame them.”

“However for those knowledgeable they know how tough this guy is, just off big win over undefeated BJJ specialist Yan Cabral. so its business as usual, train hard, prepare and perform.”

“Also considering his track record this may not be the last change of opponent!”

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