According to MMAWeekly.com, Alves had a pre-fight CAT scan that revealed a potentially dangerous issue with the fighter’s brain, and while doctors were reviewing the issue, he could not be cleared in time to fight at UFC 111.

With 24 hours to go until weigh-ins, it was speculated that there wouldn’t be enough time to find a replacement, but Saunders was ready to go for the preliminary card and agreed to step in against Fitch on last-minute notice, according to sources close to the fight.

UFC president Dana White later tweeted

“People are asking why Saunders? He called me and said he really wants the Fitch fight and I respect that and Fitch wants to fight too!!!!”