UFC Fighter Chris Padilla Withdraws From Upcoming Bout Due To Injury

UFC Fighter Chris Padilla Withdraws From Upcoming Bout Due To Injury...

UFC lightweight Chris Padilla has pulled out of his scheduled fight against rising contender Diego Lopes due to an undisclosed injury, the promotion confirmed Saturday. The bout was set for UFC Fight Night on April 18 in Las Vegas, marking Padilla's second withdrawal in six months.

The 28-year-old Californian (13-6) last fought in October 2023, losing a controversial split decision to Chase Hooper. His absence disrupts a key matchup in the stacked 155-pound division, where Padilla had hoped to rebound from back-to-back losses.

MMA fans expressed frustration on social media, with many noting Padilla's history of fight cancellations. The UFC has not yet announced a replacement opponent for Lopes (23-6), who enters the event on a three-fight win streak.

Padilla's manager told ESPN the injury occurred during training camp but declined to specify a timeline for recovery. The withdrawal comes during a pivotal career moment for the Millennia MMA product, who faces increasing pressure to deliver consistent performances.

The UFC's injury bug continues to plague upcoming cards, with this marking the seventh fight cancellation across April events. Matchmakers are scrambling to fill slots ahead of next week's ESPN+-streamed event at the UFC Apex facility.

Industry analysts suggest Padilla risks losing his roster spot if withdrawals persist. The promotion recently cut several fighters following repeated pullouts, reflecting Dana White's stricter contract enforcement policies implemented last year.