UFC News: UFC 235 card hit by illness; fight cancelled

What's the story?

UFC 235: Jones vs Smith was hit with illness and a cancelled fight even before the weigh-ins could come around.

UFC 235's Early Preliminary Card fighter, Marlon Vera, had to withdraw from his fight against Frankie Saenz due to 'illness'. Given the card features some of the most expected fights of the year, and some of the top fighters, fans will be hoping no other fight suffers the same fate.

In case you didn't know...

UFC 235: Jones vs Smith is set to take place in Paradise, Nevada, this weekend. The fight card is headlined by the ever-controversial figure of Jon Jones. Jones will put up his UFC Light Heavyweight Championship up for grabs when he takes on Anthony Smith.

Anthony Smith last defeated Volkan Oezdemir, making himself a top contender for a title fight.

The co-main event will also feature a title fight, as Tyron Woodley will be facing the Kamaru Usman. The two fighters are looking to head into the fight with a lot of momentum, and with Usman looking to break Woodley's impressive 7-fight winning streak. The UFC Welterweight Title will also be up for grabs in what will be Usman's first Title fight since coming to UFC.

Among the rest of the card, there is at least another fight which has the fans abuzz. The loud-mouthed Ben Askren will be making his debut in the UFC in his first match since being traded for Demetrious Johnson.

The heart of the matter

Frankie Saenz was supposed to face Marlon Vera in a Bantamweight Fight on the Early Preliminary Card. However, Marlon Vera has pulled out of the fight even before the weigh-ins could take place due to 'illness'.

The term 'illness' is often used by fighters to hide the actual cause for them pulling out.

Hopefully, whatever it is that Marlon Vera is suffering from, it is nothing to serious.

Meanwhile, while it appears the fight is cancelled, it will be interesting to see if Dana White can get a last-minute opponent for Frankie Saenz.