Elizeu Zaleski’s rematch with Nicolas Dalby is off.
The UFC announced Tuesday that Dalby has been forced out of a scheduled welterweight bout with Zaleski that was to take place Saturday at UFC Vegas 100. Stepping in for Dalby on just days’ notice is UFC newcomer Zach Scroggin.
Dalby’s withdrawal was first reported by MMA Junkie.
MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz reached out to Zaleski’s team, who told him that they found out about the new opponent when they arrived in Las Vegas on Tuesday.
“We just landed in Panama on our way to Las Vegas and just heard the news,” Zaleski said. “We’re super excited to fight anyone. We just wanted to fight. Let’s go! I’m ready. We had a great camp. We’ll focus on cutting weight and then have fun in the fight.”
Zaleski and Dalby previously fought in May 2015 at an event in Brazil that served as the debut for both fighters. It was Dalby who was victorious on that day, leaving the octagon with a split decision victory in hand. There is no word yet on whether the rematch is being considered for a re-booking in the future.
Saturday’s bout is a pivotal one for Zaleski (24-8-1), who turns 38 this month. The Brazilian veteran is winless in his past two bouts, a loss to Randy Brown and a majority draw against Rinat Fakhretdinov.
Scroggins, 28, is undefeated in seven pro bouts. He has spent his entire career competing for Missouri’s Fighting Alliance Championship and in his most recent outing, he won a vacant welterweight title with a unanimous decision win over former Bellator and Strikeforce fighter Zak Bucia.
