Arjan Bhullar’s ONE debut cancelled just hours ahead of event

Heavyweight Arjan Bhullar (9-1) is one of the biggest fighters of Indian heritage to compete in MMA. After leaving the UFC to sign with ONE Championship, expectations of his debut were high. Those expectations will not be fulfilled today as planned. Bhullar was expected to take on Cage Warriors heavyweight champ Mauro Cerilli, but according to a post on Instagram, Cerilli has been forced to pull out of the fight due ti a staph infection.

View this post on Instagram

Hey guys unfortunately my fight is cancelled. My opponent has a staph infection and wasn't able to get cleared in the medical check. . . I'm very disappointed not to be able to put on a show for all of my fans and loved ones. Was extremely well prepared for this fight and can't thank my team enough for their sacrifices during preparation. The coaches/sparring partners/therapists/specialists etc. It takes an amazing team of people to get me to this point and I will always be grateful to have them in my life. . . Lastly, I'd like to thank the team at @onechampionship for their unbelievable support this week. Every member of the company has been extremely respectful and supportive through this ordeal. My first experience going through fight week with them couldn't have gone better. I can't wait to debut in the near future??✊? . . #disappointed #sorry #OnToTheNextOne #DawnOfHeroes #ThrillaInManila #TeamBhullar #OneBillionStrong

A post shared by Arjan Singh Bhullar (@theonearjansinghbhullar) on Aug 1, 2019 at 10:03pm PDT

“Hey guys unfortunately my fight is cancelled,” Bhullar wrote on Instagram. “My opponent has a staph infection and wasn’t able to get cleared in the medical check.”

A high level wrestler who represented Canada, Bhullar made his UFC debut in 2017, defeating Luis Henrique via decision. He then lost his following bout to Adam Wieczorek via decision. Since then he won two straight fights in the promotion, beating both Marcelo Golm and Juan Adams – both by decision.

As of now it’s not certain when or at what event Bhullar will compete at next.