Breaking News: Thiago Alves Removed From UFC 111

With just over 48 hours before Thiago Alves was to face Jon Fitch at “UFC 111 : St-Pierre vs. Hardy,”  it appears the talented Brazilian will be forced out of the rematch after a CT Scan revealed an “irregularity in his brain” which UFC president Dana White said, “If it’s true, it can be career-ending.”

TMZ.com was the first to break the news early Thursday morning:

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“UFC’s Thiago “Pitbull” Alves will not fight at Saturday’s UFC 111, because a CAT Scan shows an irregularity in his brain … TMZ has learned.

Thiago was scheduled to rumble with Jon Fitch on Saturday — but a pre-fight CAT Scan revealed an irregularity — a source close to 26-year-old Pitbull tells TMZ the irregularity involves an artery in the brain.

UFC honcho Dana White tells TMZ he will fly Pitbull to a specialist for further evaluation. White says, “If it’s true, it can be career-ending.”

No one will replace Pitbull on Saturday. The headliner is Georges St- Pierre — ironically, the fighter who solidly beat Thiago in his last fight last July.”

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According to MMAMania , UFC brass have asked Fitch to maintain his weight as they are currently scouring the globe for a last-minute replacement. According to the site, Fitch may be offered middleweight scrap in case they can’t locate a suitable welterweight in time.

Although Alves was controlling Fitch for much of their initial meeting at “UFC Fight Night 5″ back in June 2006, Fitch managed to land a vicious up-kick to Alves’ grill in the second round that ultimately put him out.

Following his loss, “The Pitbull” reeled-off seven consecutive wins to propel himself into a five round affair with champion Georges St-Pierre at UFC 100 . Although he fought valiantly, GSP brought his winning streak to a convincing halt when he posted a unanimous decision victory over Alves.

We’re still adding information to this article as the news is just now breaking.

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