Jared Gordon’s scheduled fight against Jim Miller at UFC Vegas 74 was canceled just two days before the fight was slated to happen. Gordon, who had replaced Ludovit Klein as a short-notice replacement, was seeking to return to the ring, six weeks after being knocked unconscious in a contest against Bobby Green at UFC Vegas 71.

Gordon’s claims of minor concussion recovery during the media day proved to be unacceptably risky for the UFC, resulting in Gordon’s withdrawal from the UFC Vegas 74 fight. Dana White, the President of UFC, holds Gordon accountable for his withdrawal, insisting that the fight could not proceed if it endangers the fighters’ safety or health.

White stated that Gordon’s claims about self-recovery from a “minor concussion” six weeks ago were unfounded, adding that he was unsure about the validity of such a claim and whether he sat under a doctor’s diagnosis or not. White thinks that Gordon was in the wrong to not have disclosed his head injury earlier, as the UFC could have found a suitable replacement if informed. White further stated that they had to pull Gordon as soon as they heard about his concussion; the UFC prioritizes fighters’ long-term safety over short-term gains.

It is uncertain why Gordon was allowed to compete in UFC Vegas 74 six weeks after being knocked unconscious in a broadcast. UFC’s stance, however, is that once the fighter proclaims his injury to the world, they would act accordingly. Despite Gordon’s withdrawal, he is yet to comment on the situation. At UFC Vegas 74, he was adamant about the benefits of taking the fight, stating that he had recovered from the injury using supplements and spending time in a hyperbaric chamber.

Progressing with a fight filled with such risks would have been inadmissible and irresponsible, primarily if he sustained a head injury even before the start of the game. The UFC has an obligation to protect their players and ensure that they are healthy enough to fight. The company’s decision to withdraw Gordon from UFC Vegas 74 was consistent with their previous protocol.