Missing weight is one thing, but what happened before a planned title fight involving a former UFC fighter is on another level.
Featherweight Jarno Errens was once seen as a promising talent for the biggest stage in mixed martial arts, joining the UFC in 2022 after a win in Brave CF.
However, the Dutch fighter didn`t live up to expectations during his two-year UFC tenure, losing three out of his four bouts.
Following a stoppage loss to Youssef Zalal, only the second of his career, Errens was released by the promotion and returned to competing on the regional circuit.
A win against Caio Machado under the banner of Levels Fight League positioned the former UFC hopeful for a title shot, but these plans dramatically fell apart due to astonishing events.
Jarno Errens lands a knee strike during a previous fight. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Title Bout Canceled After Opponent Allegedly Misses Weight by 22 Pounds
After a strong start back outside the UFC, Errens was scheduled to compete for the inaugural LFL featherweight championship in the main event of Levels Fight League 18 on June 15th.
The Dutchman successfully made weight for his opportunity to win gold on home soil in Utrecht, but significant drama unfolded when his opponent reportedly did not – an understatement.
In an Instagram video shared by Errens, the 30-year-old fighter is shown addressing the media after the promotion announced that his opponent, Donovan Desmae from Belgium, had missed weight by a staggering 10 kilograms (22 pounds).
“I wanted to handle my professional responsibilities, and I did,” Errens stated.
“He isn`t professional. While he might be a fighter in the cage, getting the weight right is also part of the fight.”
The news of the massive alleged weight miss caused widespread shock among fans.
One commenter questioned, “How is that even possible?”
Another user joked, “22 pounds? Did he even realize he had a fight?”
Some speculated the significant miss was predictable, noting the division Desmae had previously competed in.
One comment read, “Why would they book this guy for a featherweight title fight? His last four bouts were at welterweight.”
Donovan Desmae Disputes LFL`s Claim Regarding Weight Miss
A 22-pound weight discrepancy would rank among the most extreme scale failures in MMA history.
The widely believed record occurred last year at Ares 23, where Danielle Koudou was 38 pounds over the contracted 135-pound limit. Even after agreeing to a 155-pound fight, she was still 18 pounds overweight.
However, according to Desmae, there`s more to the situation.
The Belgian fighter quickly responded in the comments section of Errens` Instagram video, alleging his opponent was misrepresenting the situation.
According to Desmae (whose nickname is `Vegas`), the fight was canceled by LFL for “medical reasons” when he was just three kilograms (6.6 pounds) shy of making the required weight.
Gareth Pendleton