Paulo Thiago Withdraws From UFC on Versus 3 Bout With Johny Hendricks

Paulo Thiago at UFC 109

Less than 24 hours after Ultimate Fighting Championship officials added a bout pitting Johny Hendricks against Paulo Thiago to their UFC on Versus 3 fight card, the fight is off.

Team Takedown announced the cancellation late Wednesday night.

“Extremely disappointed that Paulo Thiago pulled out of the fight vs @JohnyHendricks. It was gonna be a great fight!” Team Takedown tweeted.

Thiago is currently on a two-fight skid and needs a win in the Octagon. He can’t afford to take a fight hampered by an injury. Sherdog.com reported that Thiago’s withdrawal was due to an elbow injury.

Hendricks (9-1) is coming off of the first loss of his career. He lost a unanimous decision to Rick Story at “The Ultimate Fighter Season 12″ finale. It was unclear at the time of publication if Hendricks would remain on the UFC on Versus 3 fight card or be moved to a later event.

Diego Sanchez vs. Martin Kampmann headlines UFC on Versus 3 on March 3 at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky.