UFC middleweight Jack Hermansson seemingly can’t catch a break and comes in for his second opponent change for next weekend’s card. ‘The Joker’ was originally set to face Darren Till in a highly consequential bout for the 185-pound strap. However, Till would be removed from the headlining spot due to injury and rising star Kevin Holland stepped in on short notice.
However, it appears as though Hermansson will have to be ready for more last-minute surprises as Holland tested COVID-19 positive. Chiefly, this occurrence is not new for fighters or the UFC brass who have to be adaptable. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani quickly reported that Marvin Vettori could come in to replace ‘Trail Blazer’ on the card.
Kevin Holland is off #UFCVegas16 after testing positive for COVID-19, multiple sources tell @arielhelwani. pic.twitter.com/Ugcj1FJkyr
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 28, 2020
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Jack Hermansson receives the breaking news
A recent video grab emerged that saw ‘The Joker’ in a rather unprecedented situation. Chiefly, Hermansson received the call that his fight against Holland fell out while a video camera was rolling behind the scenes. The grab captured the raw emotions that the middleweight contender felt after hearing the news.
Jack Hermansson was on camera when he got the call about his second opponent change for #UFCVegas16
He accepted the Marvin Vettori fight without hesitation 🃏 (via @jackthejokermma) pic.twitter.com/zM9hGNiuuw
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 29, 2020
Furthermore, Jack Hermansson’s game mentality was on full display as he was ready to take on Marvin Vettori without a moment’s delay. Vettori is ranked 13 in the division and Hermansson is ranked fourth; however, the rankings haven’t deterred ‘The Joker’. Usually, fighters in his position aren’t keen to take match-ups so far apart in the rankings.
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What’s more, Marvin Vettori is a dangerous outing for anyone in the 185-pound division, and he has heavy hands. Not to mention, he’s able to mount a meaningful offense once the fight hits the canvas. Jack Hermansson will have to be wary of the power and dynamic striking that Vettori brings late into the fights.
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A short-notice win for Marvin Vettori would mean that he would break into the upper-echelon of the middleweight division. Moreover, he’ll likely take Hermansson’s place at the top of the heap for a title shot in the future.
The landscape of the middleweight division is up for grabs. There are a large number of contenders chomping at the bit. It would seem as though Hermansson is ready to take on the high-risk lower reward match-up in his stride. Is this a good sign in a contender?
