Phil Rowe Hits Target After Near Weight Miss for UFC Houston Fight
Phil Rowe faced a significant moment before his welterweight fight against Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani at UFC Houston. Initially at risk of missing weight, Rowe’s second attempt on the scale proved successful. This ensured the fight remained part of the event, which takes place this weekend.
Weight Controversy at UFC Houston
During the official weigh-ins, Rowe first registered at 172 pounds, which is one pound over the welterweight limit, including the allowable one-pound buffer. Conversely, Lebosnoyani weighed in at 170.5 pounds on his initial attempt. Rowe was permitted a second weighing, resulting in a compliant 170.5 pounds.
Previous Weight Issues
This was not Rowe’s first challenge with weight. In previous UFC fights, he missed the limit by 2.5 pounds twice but still secured knockout victories in those bouts. This weigh-in was crucial for him to maintain his eligibility after two prior failures.
Last-Minute Changes and Preparation
The matchup changed last minute when Austin Vanderford withdrew for unspecified reasons. This led Rowe to accept the fight with roughly a month of preparation, potentially adding to the stress of the weigh-in.
Successful Compliance and Its Implications
- Rowe’s successful weighing preserves the integrity of the bout.
- His compliance avoids penalties and potential cancellation of the fight.
- Lebosnoyani’s compliant weight means no last-minute negotiations over fines or catchweight considerations.
Looking Ahead to UFC Houston
The fight between Rowe and Lebosnoyani is confirmed and scheduled for Saturday at UFC Houston. With both fighters cleared, they will now focus on final preparations before the match. This event highlights the pressures surrounding weight considerations, particularly given Rowe’s history with missed limits.
