Mizuto Hirota out of UFC Japan for health reasons following scary weigh-in

The UFC and physicians present took note of Mizuto Hirota’s physical state Thursday at weigh-ins. And it appears that’s a main reason why he won’t be allowed to compete Friday night.

Hirota was pulled from his fight against Charles Rosa at UFC Japan due to health and safety reasons, a UFC source told MMA Fighting on Thursday night. The UFC medical staff determined the Japanese fighter to be unfit to compete, the source said. A statement confirmed the news Thursday night.

On Thursday morning, Hirota could barely stand up under his own power while getting off the scale after weighing in. He had to be helped by UFC staff and a teammate to get off the stage. Hirota weighed in at 150 pounds, four pounds over the 146-pound maximum for the featherweight division.

Hirota (18-8-2) has fought five times at featherweight in the UFC and not missed weight before. The former Road to UFC: Japan contestant is coming off a loss to Alex Volkanovski in June. He was unbeaten in five fights prior that.

A flyweight bout between Jussier Formiga and Ulka Sasaki will now move to the main card and the event will proceed with 10 fights, per the release.