Last-minute fight cancellations are a nightmare for MMA promoters. Injuries and weight issues are at the top of the list of most common reasons why bouts are cancelled in major promotions these days, but it’s unlikely that anything ever comes close to PRIDE 9’s Matt Serra vs. Johil de Oliveira bout.
Oliveira and Serra were both set to make their PRIDE debut that night, June 4, 2000. The Brazilian signed with the Japanese promotion after winning multiple one-night tournaments in Brazil and capturing the IVC championship, while Serra, a 26-year-old talent under Renzo Gracie, was 3-0 in the sport.