Due to his mother's surgery, Toquinho is out of the fight with Fitch for the WSOF title

Toquinho (photo) will not be able to face Fitch in July. Photo: Disclosure

The first defense of Rousimar Toquinho as WSOF welterweight champion had to be postponed. Claiming personal problems, the Brazilian pulled out of his fight against Jon Fitch, which was to be held on July 5th, in Las Vegas, in the United States.

Toquinho's manager, Alex Davis, told the “Combate” channel's website that the withdrawal was due to the fighter's mother's health. “Toquinho couldn’t accept the fight because his mother has health problems. He wouldn't be able to focus on the fight and his mother at the same time. He had to choose for his mother's health. She will have to have surgery which is a bit serious. She is his mother first and foremost,” commented the businessman.

According to WSOF vice-president Ali Abdelaziz, Fitch should be retained at the event. The organization works so that another former UFC fighter, Jake Shields, be Toquinho’s replacement. The main fight of the event will be a fight for the lightweight belt, between Justin gaethje and the challenger, Nick Newell, known for having part of his left arm amputated.

Toquinho won the WSOF title by beating then-champion Steve Carl at the end of last month. It was his first fight since being fired from the UFC for holding back a submission against Mike Pierce last year.

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