Kiwi fighter Carlos Ulberg has been dealt another cruel injury blow, forcing him to withdraw from his upcoming bout against Anthony Smith at UFC 303 on June 30.
The City Kickboxing product has taken to social media to confirm he'd suffered an injury during training that will require "an extended time" to heal.
Roman Dolidze will replace him, adding the final twist to a rollercoaster co-main event, which began as a match-up between Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree. Ulberg stepped in for Rountree, who was suspended for drug use. Hill then sustained an injury, bringing Smith in on late notice.
An injury saga also curtailed Ulberg's clash with former title challenger Dominick Reyes earlier this year. The bout was delayed to allow Ulberg time to recover from a foot injury, before Reyes was also scratched with blood clots.
Alonzo Menifield stepped in as Reyes' replacement and was swiftly knocked out by Ulberg in 12 seconds in the Aucklander's best Octagon performance to date.
Ulberg's showstopping KO at St Louis saw him enter the official rankings at No.11, after recording his sixth straight victory and fifth consecutive finish.
Alex Perieria will face Jiri Prozchaka in the UFC 303 main event, after Conor McGregor's injury saw his bout with Michael Chandler canned.
