Andreas Gustafsson will seemingly no longer be competing next month due to his health.
On June 27, a fan friendly lightweight clash between Rafael Fiziev and Manuel Torres headlines UFC Baku at the National Gymnastics Arena.
While it will be the lightweights taking center stage, the card took a hit when Marvin Vettori announced his withdrawal due to an injury.
A different matchup has also fallen off the line-up according to reports, with Andreas Gustafsson having no timeline for his return due to some serious health concerns.
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Andreas Gustafsson reportedly out of Daniil Donchenko clash due to heart issues that have forced a career break
On May 25, Swedish outlet Front Kick reported that Andreas Gustafsson is out of his fight with Daniil Donchenko that’s scheduled for UFC Baku next month.
The Swedish welterweight, who has gone 1-1 inside the Octagon, confirmed this news and the reports about his health by reposting them on Instagram.
Gustafsson has been suffering from “atrial fibrillation and recurring heart rushes” that have led to him being forced to suspend his career for the time being.
Front Kick added in their report that people close to ‘Bane’ are hopeful that his heart issues, which have become more intense over time, won’t force him to retire.
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Gustafsson earned a UFC contract back in 2024, with Dana White admitting that the Swede forced him to ignore his rule that he’s not looking to try and sign “30 something year old contenders”.
At UFC 326 last June, Gustafsson justified this call by beating Khaos Williams in impressive fashion to earn a win on his debut.
Now 35 years old, he was defeated by Rinat Fakhretdinov last time out, with his planned clash with Donchenko giving him the opportunity to bounce back.
It hasn’t been confirmed yet whether Donchenko will face a replacement opponent on the same card but given how far away the event is, this seems likely.