UFC Fight Night Seattle Card Faces Major Setback, Macy Chiasson Out

The upcoming UFC Fight Night 252, scheduled for February 22 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, has been hit with another significant blow. The highly anticipated women’s bantamweight bout between Macy Chiasson and Ketlen Vieira has been canceled for the second time, leaving fans and pundits alike disappointed.

#UFCSeattle takes another hit.

Macy Chiasson is injured and her bout vs. Ketlen Vieira is off, promotion officials announce. Bout scrapped. pic.twitter.com/WWPb7f7DEX

— Nolan King (@mma_kings) February 13, 2025

This matchup, which was expected to have major implications for the women’s bantamweight division, fell through due to an injury sustained by Chiasson (10-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC). The cancellation is particularly frustrating as it marks the second time this bout has been scrapped. Initially slated for January 2024, the first attempt was thwarted when Vieira (14-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) withdrew due to her own injury concerns.

The importance of this fight cannot be overstated. With the women’s bantamweight division lacking a clear title contender beyond the upcoming Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison championship bout, Chiasson vs. Vieira was poised to potentially produce the next challenger for the throne. The cancellation leaves the division in a state of uncertainty, with no obvious path forward for either fighter.

A Card in Crisis

The removal of Chiasson vs. Vieira is just the latest in a series of setbacks that have plagued UFC Fight Night 252. The event has been hit hard by cancellations, leaving the promotion scrambling to salvage what was once a promising card.

Among the other high-profile withdrawals is former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz, who was forced to pull out due to injury. Cruz’s absence removes a significant draw from the card, as the veteran fighter’s technical prowess and name recognition always generate interest among fans.

Additionally, perennial lightweight contender Edson Barboza has been removed from his scheduled bout against Steve Garcia. Barboza, known for his devastating striking and highlight-reel knockouts, would have been a major attraction for the Seattle crowd.

In a further reshuffling of the deck, the heavyweight clash between Curtis Blaydes and Rizvan Kuniev has been moved to UFC 313. This bout, which could have had significant implications for the heavyweight rankings, will now take place at a later date on a different card.

UFC’s Response and the Road Ahead

In an effort to mitigate the damage and bolster the weakened card, the UFC has taken swift action. The promotion announced the addition of two new bouts on Thursday, although details of these matchups have not been disclosed. This move demonstrates the UFC’s commitment to delivering a quality event for the Seattle fans, despite the numerous setbacks.

However, questions remain about the overall strength of the card and whether more changes are on the horizon. With just over a week until fight night, time is running short for the promotion to make significant additions or alterations to the lineup.

The situation highlights the volatile nature of MMA event planning, where injuries and last-minute changes can dramatically alter the complexion of a fight card. It also underscores the importance of depth in the UFC roster, as the promotion must often rely on its deep talent pool to fill gaps when high-profile bouts fall through.

As fight fans eagerly await further updates, the UFC faces a challenging task in rebuilding UFC Fight Night 252 into an event worthy of the Seattle audience. With several key matchups now off the table, all eyes will be on the promotion to see how they navigate this difficult situation and what surprises they might have in store for fight night.

The coming days will be crucial as the UFC works to finalize the card and ensure that UFC Fight Night 252 lives up to the high standards that fans have come to expect from the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization. Despite the setbacks, the resilience of the sport and its athletes suggests that come February 22, the octagon in Seattle will still play host to a night of thrilling fights and unforgettable moments.