Ricardo Lamas says he is frustrated with the cancellation of UFC Philippines

Lamas would headline UFC Philippines Photo: UFC

UFC Philippines, canceled 10 days before it took place, didn't just displease fans in Manila, the city where the event would take place. Featherweight Ricardo Lamas, who would be in the main fight of the show against B.J. Penn, did not hide his frustration upon learning that he would no longer fight on the 15th. For Lamas, there are two disappointments: the “lost time” in preparation and the salary that will not be the same.

See too

UFC cancels event in Philippines after BJ Penn injury

Anti-drug policy forced cancellation of UFC Philippines, says website

BJ Penn injured and out of UFC Philippines main event

“It's horrible. I literally went through an entire camp, I had already finished my training. The only thing left was to cut the weight. I was already holding my weight very low, and hearing that is sad, especially with the holidays coming up. This is what I do for a living. I want to give my family a good Christmas this year, and to have the fight canceled after so much work is disheartening. But I try not to think about these things, I know UFC will do everything right in the end”, said Lamas on the North American program 'MMA Hour'.

In an official statement released by the UFC, all fighters who were scheduled on the card will receive compensation for the cancellation of the fight. Lamas, however, says he still has to receive the same amount he would have profited from the fight.

“They said they would compensate me. I don't know the values ​​or the amount they will pay me. They are also trying to schedule another fight for me. Sean Shelby (UFC matchmaker) told me that he has some offers, so I hope that this week I will find out what my next commitment will be.”

“If it were up to me, I would be happy with my show and making money, of course. I would be happy just with the money, but actually, I came to fight. I worked really hard for this and I didn't want an entire training camp thrown away. So, I'm hoping they find an opponent for me and put me on a card very soon”, concluded the North American.

At 34 years old, Ricardo Lamas comes from a points defeat to Max Holloway at UFC 199 last June. In Ultimate, he has seven wins and three losses, and even challenged for the category belt against José Aldo, in 2014, but lost in a unanimous decision by the judges.