Shayna Baszler forced out at TUF Nations Finale, Sarah Kaufman needs new opponent

An undisclosed injury has forced Shayna Baszler (15-8 MMA, 0-0 UFC) out of a planned meeting with Sarah Kaufman (16-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) at the upcoming TUF Nations Finale.

UFC officials today announced the withdrawal, and a replacement opponent will now be sought.

The event, which serves as the live finale for “The Ultimate Fighter Nations: Canada vs. Australia” reality series, takes place April 16 at Colisee Pepsi in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. It’s expected to air on FOX Sports 1 following prelims on UFC Fight Pass.

Kaufman looks to fight for the first time since a narrow decision loss to Jessica Eye at UFC 166 (which was later overturned when Eye flunked a drug test). It marked the promotional debut for the 28-year-old Canadian, who went 6-2 with Strikeforce. The losses came in title fights against Marloes Coenen and Ronda Rousey, both via submission. Prior to signing with the UFC, Kaufman picked up a split-decision victory over Leslie Smith at Invicta FC 5.

Baszler, an 11-year pro, was a cast member on “The Ultimate Fighter 18,” where she suffered an upset submission loss to eventual show winner Julianna Pena in the quarterfinals. Although the 33-year-old wasn’t medically fit to compete at the show’s live finale, UFC officials assured the EliteXC and Strikeforce vet that she’s get an official UFC fight. She had hoped to fight professionally for the first time since a January 2013 loss to Alexis Davis at Invicta FC 4. Prior to the defeat, Baszler was on a 5-1 run with four submissions.

A timetable for Baszler’s return wasn’t immediately established.

With the change, the TUF Nations Finale lineup now includes:

• Michael Bisping vs. Tim Kennedy
• Patrick Cote vs. Kyle Noke
• opponent TBA vs. opponent TBA – “TUF Nations” middleweight-tournament final
• opponent TBA vs. opponent TBA – “TUF Nations” welterweight-tournament final
• Akira Corassani vs. Dustin Poirier
• K.J. Noons vs. Sam Stout
• Sarah Kaufman vs. opponent TBA
• Mark Bocek vs. Evan Dunham
• Ryan Jimmo vs. Sean O’Connell
• Dustin Kimura vs. George Roop
• Mitch Gagnon vs. Tim Gorman

For more on the TUF Nations Finale, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Sarah Kaufman)