Rodolfo Bellato Reveals Herpes Diagnosis That Cancelled UFC Vegas 106 Co-Main vs. Paul Craig
UFC Vegas 106 delivered some solid action inside the Octagon, but not without a few curveballs. The main event featured a welterweight clash between Gilbert Burns and Michael Morales. It was a short-lived affair—Morales stunned the crowd by finishing Burns in the first round with a crushing knockout. But while the spotlight was on the main event, the biggest shock of the night came before it ever started.
In a twist no one saw coming, the co-main event between Paul Craig and Rodolfo Bellato was canceled just over an hour before the fighters were scheduled to walk out. It was a light heavyweight matchup many considered pivotal for Craig, who entered the bout looking to snap a three-fight losing streak. Bellato, meanwhile, aimed to notch his first UFC win after a majority draw earlier this year.
Rodolfo BellatoGetty Images
Speculation swirled, but it didn't take long for answers. In an Instagram story, later translated and circulated by MMA Orbit, Bellato revealed the shocking—and let's be honest, slightly surreal—reason: 'I never thought that herpes would take me out of a fight! I'm sorry all of you guys, but it's something that's out of our control. I'll have more news soon!' It was the kind of fight night twist no one had on their bingo card: punches dodged, takedowns avoided, but it was a virus that landed the most unexpected knockout.
The revelation sparked confusion and even some humor across the MMA world. Let's face it—when's the last time an STD was the main storyline on fight night? While UFC President Dana White did not comment on this specific case, the organization has previously canceled bouts due to cold sores or similar contagious conditions. During the filming of 'The Ultimate Fighter: Grasso vs. Shevchenko,' a fight was postponed for the same reason—highlighting how seriously the UFC treats the risk of transmission during sanctioned competition.
Dana WhiteGetty Images
With potential rescheduling in the works, Bellato and Craig may get a second chance soon—but for now, UFC fans are still recovering from one of the most bizarre fight week developments in recent memory.
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