WSOF 19: Matt Hamill Withdraws, Teddy Holder To Face Thiago Silva

Phoenix, Ariz. (March 28, 2015) – Hours before his scheduled rematch and World Series of Fighting (www.wsof.com) co-main event matchup with Thiago Silva (16-3), wrestling standout Matt “The Hammer” Hamill (11-5) has withdrawn from the bout due to illness.

Fast-rising star Teddy Holder (8-1) will take Hamill’s place in the live NBCSN televised matchup against Silva, which also represents the first bout in the WSOF multi-event tournament that will crown its winner the promotion’s first-ever world light heavyweight (205 pounds) champion.

“We are obviously very disappointed that Matt Hamill will not be able to compete tonightbut, under no circumstance, would we ask a fighter to enter the WSOF cage if he or she sustains an injury or comes down with any kind of illness prior to a scheduled bout,” said WSOF President Ray Sefo.

“We are appreciative that Teddy Holder was willing to step up and accept a new opponent and formidable challenge on such short notice,” continued Sefo.

The re-shuffling of the lineup will also see Holder’s original opponent, Jake Heun (7-3), matched with a new adversary in Clifford Starks (10-2), who had been slated to faceEddie Arizmendi (15-6) in a WSOF 19 preliminary bout.  Arizmendi will no longer compete, but will receive full compensation from WSOF for his previously scheduled fight.

In the highly-anticipated WSOF 19 main event, undefeated, reigning WSOF World Lightweight (155 pounds) Champion Justin Gaethje (13-0) will put his title and perfect record on the line against ferocious, hard-hitting contender Luis “Baboon” Palomino(23-9).

The four-bout WSOF 19: Gaethje vs. Palomino main card will air live, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT on NBCSN.