In a bizarre series of events, BAMMA 7 co-headliner Leonardo Santos (9-3) has been removed from the card just hours before official weigh-ins. The decision was reportedly made after Santos insisted that he would not be able to make weight for his scheduled lightweight championship bout against Rob Sinclair (10-2).
Santos elected to remove himself from the bout as opposed to fighting in a catchweight, non-title affair due to contract stipulations that would result in a significant purse deduction. MMAWeekly.com first reported the news.
"(Santos) is flat-out refusing to discuss the situation and will not be flying to the U.K. from Paris," said BAMMA Head of Business Development Liam Fisher. "We tried to resolve the situation with him, but he withdrew from the bout."
Promotional veteran Diego Vital (6-1) steps into the vacant title spot on short notice. A renowned submission specialist fighting out of England, Vital has collected all six of his victories via rear-naked choke.