Dehydration Forces Ronny Markes Out of WSOF 20 Main Event

---

Ronny Markes is out of his World Series of Fighting 20 headlining bout against David Branch due to a case of severe dehydration.

The promotion announced the news shortly before Thursday’s weigh-ins. Jesse McElligott will take Markes’ place in Friday’s main event, which is the second semifinal in the promotion’s light heavyweight title tournament.

“Ronny’s condition is an unfortunate situation, but we are glad that his health has improved since the episode he experienced earlier today,”WSOF President Ray Sefo stated in a release. “WSOF is committed to the safety of its athletes, and, therefore, there is no way that we could allow Ronny to go on and compete despite the turnaround in his condition.”

Steve Skrzat, who was slated to face McElligott on the preliminary bill, will receive his full fight purse, according to the release.

A native of West Roxbury, Mass., the 24-year-old McElligott is 5-1 as a professional, including four victories via knockout, technical knockout or submission. He last competed in June 2014, when he submitted Kevin Haley via second-round submission.

Branch, who is WSOF’s middleweight champion, has won five straight fights within the Las Vegas-based promotion.