Will Chope released by UFC because of 2009 assault conviction
This morning, Cagewriter received an email from UFC officials announcing that the promotion had decided to cancel the scheduled featherweight bout between Will Chope and Diego Brandao for tonight's Fight Night card in Brazil. The reason being that the UFC only recently found out that Chope was served with a bad conduct discharge from the Air Force and given five months confinement for repeatedly verbally and physically assaulting his then-wife back in 2009.
Brazilian outlet Globo first reported about Chope's military history. Today, the UFC announced their response.
"Tonight's featherweight bout between Will Chope and Diego Brandao has been canceled after UFC officials were made aware of Chope's previous military conviction. The UFC does not condone behavior of this nature whatsoever and Chope has been released from his contract. Brandao will receive both his show and win money for the bout," the UFC's statement read.
The 23 year-old Chope last fought and lost in the UFC against Max Holloway in January via TKO. Brandao last fought and lost to Dustin Poirier in late 2013.
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