Rafael Alves climbed the scale an astonishing 11.5 pounds above the featherweight limit for UFC Vegas 19 on Saturday night, forcing the promotion to cancel the fight against Pat Sabatini.
In his first interview since Friday’s weigh-in in Las Vegas, “The Turn” told MMA Fighting that he fell ill after eating salmon on Thursday, forcing him to rehydrate himself before the official weigh-in.
“I ate salmon yesterday and got sick, [had] vomiting and diarrhea, so the doctor said I had to deal with [drinking] water, ”he wrote in a text message. “I only had 2kg [4.4 pounds] left to cut, [but] when I drank water my weight went up and got stuck, so the doctor did not release me to fight. But God owns everything and knows what He does. “
Alves told MMA Fighting earlier this week that his “normal weight is 195 pounds”, and this would be his last featherweight fight before returning to lightweight. Alves will remain at lightweight in the attack and says the UFC will not cut a tie with him, despite losing record weight.
“[UFC matchmaker] Sean Shelby said that health is what matters now, ”said Alves. “He told me that this has happened to champions before, and he said his name to fight at 155 and come back stronger. They won’t cut me because they had to change opponents and were looking for a new one, some said they would fight at 155 and others at 145, so I didn’t focus on the guy who was fighting or on my weight. But I will fight 155 now. I am focused and nothing will stop me.
“I know a lot of people are criticizing me, but I don’t care. Jesus was a son of God and was criticized despite all his power, so imagine me, an imperfect man on earth? But thank goodness the UFC didn’t say it was going to cut me, so I’ll be right back. They said that I am a showman that will give the UFC a lot of profit. “
The Brazilian was one of four fighters who lost weight for UFC Vegas 19, but the other fights will continue as planned, with fines for overweight fighters.