UPDATED x2: Rashad Evans Out of UFC 205 Fight Due to Medical Issue

UPDATE x2: Rashad Evans released the following statement, commenting on his withdrawal…

“I’m disappointed. I’m healthy. I don’t want anyone worrying about me. I’m fine, physically speaking. Never felt better. It’s just the commission and their rules. I guess they have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to this.”

UPDATE: The UFC released the following statement on the situation…

he UFC announced Tuesday night that Evans was denied a license to fight by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) because of a “medical issue.” His fight with Tim Kennedy is off and there are “currently no plans” to replace it on the first UFC card in New York City on Saturday at Madison Square Garden, the release said. Both Evans and Kennedy will get their show bonus, the UFC said.

ORIGINAL: UFC 205 has lost one of its fights due to a medical issue. Rashad Evans has been knocked out of his fight with Tim Kennedy after, per MMAjunkie, an irregularity was found in a pre-fight MRI that caused New York to refuse him a license to fight. Evans’ rep said that the paperwork was the same as those which Evans submitted in previous fights, and was under the impression that the UFC had seen no problems.

“I’m not sure why (the NYSAC) didn’t approve,” said Ali Abdelaziz. “He provided the same medicals, and nothing has changed. I don’t know what we’ll do. The plan is he’s going to fight as soon as possible.”

Tim Kennedy reacted to the news on Twitter, posting:

Just landed in New York. It sounds like my fight with @SugaRashadEvans is off. I do not have official word. #ufc205

— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) November 8, 2016

Dana White also posted to Twitter confirming the news:

He's of the NYC card but HOLY SHIT @SugaRashadEvans at 195Lbs in this pic pic.twitter.com/fAg3jNAsik

— Dana White (@danawhite) November 8, 2016

MMAjunkie also reports that both fighters will get their show money, with the UFC issuing this following statement:

“The UFC organization was notified today that the New York State Athletic Commission has denied Rashad Evans a license to compete at UFC 205 due to a medical issue. Evans’ scheduled bout against Tim Kennedy this coming Saturday, November 12 in New York, will be removed from the fight card. However, both athletes will receive their show money. There are currently no plans to replace this bout.”