Former UFC title challenger Ovince Saint Preux has pulled out of his light heavyweight bout vs. Ryan Spann, making this weekend’s UFC card less exciting.
Ovince Saint Preux, often known as “OSP,” is a Haitian-American mixed martial artist who has made a significant mark in the UFC’s light heavyweight division.
Before diving into MMA, Saint Preux was an accomplished athlete in wrestling and football. He played football for the University of Tennessee from 2001 to 2004. His transition to MMA came after his football career, starting in 2008.
As of early 2024, Saint Preux has a professional record of 27 wins and 17 losses, showcasing his longevity and competitiveness in the sport.
Known for his versatility, OSP can effectively fight standing or on the ground.
He’s particularly noted for his submission skills, having won several fights via submission, with a penchant for the Von Flue choke, which he has successfully applied multiple times in the UFC, a rare feat given the submission’s complexity.
Saint Preux has had notable victories over fighters like Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, where he achieved a quick knockout, and has shown his submission prowess against various opponents, including Yushin Okami and Marcos Rogerio de Lima with the Von Flue choke.
He was scheduled to fight Ryan Spann at UFC Vegas 97, but due to illness, he was forced out of the fight.
UFC Vegas 97 will continue with a 12-fight lineup headlined by a welterweight battle between Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady. Former UFC Strawweight Champion Jessica Andrade will go against flyweight Natália Silva, who’s 5-0 in the UFC.
This should still be a nice card, but this fight being pulled certainly doesn’t excite some.
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