Adrian Yanez Withdraws From Juan Diaz Fight at UFC 334 in New York
UFC 334 has lost another bout. Bantamweight contender Adrian Yanez has withdrawn from his featured preliminary fight against Juan Diaz at the Nov. 14 event at Madison Square Garden in New York, according to sources cited by UFC insider Kevin K. The card, which marks the promotion's 13th visit to New York City, is headlined by a heavyweight bout between Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit.
No reason given
The reason for the withdrawal has not been disclosed. Neither Yanez's team nor the UFC has revealed an injury, illness or any other explanation. The pullout is also a first for the Texan: two of his earlier bookings, against Christian Quinonez and Aaron Phillips, fell apart, but on both occasions it was his opponent who withdrew.
The 32-year-old has also had a long absence before. After a split decision loss to Daniel Marcos in 2024, an undisclosed health issue kept him out of competition for almost all of 2025. He returned in March 2026 at UFC Seattle and fought Ricky Simon to a majority draw. He then knocked out former 135-pound champion Cody Garbrandt in the first round at UFC 329 in July. The fight with Diaz would have been his third appearance of 2026, and no date for his return has been given.
A third cancellation for the card
The Yanez withdrawal is the third cancellation for UFC 334. A lightweight clash between Nazim Sadykhov and Jefferson Nascimento was scrapped after both fighters pulled out: Nascimento reportedly withdrew with an undisclosed injury, and Sadykhov told the UFC he did not want to face a replacement. Earlier, undefeated middleweight Baisangur Susurkaev withdrew from his bout with Donte Johnson for undisclosed reasons.
The UFC has managed to add fights in response, but the latest change brings the card down to 12 bouts. Bouts still in place on the preliminary portion include Stephen Thompson against Charles Radtke in what is set to be Thompson's retirement fight, Jim Miller against Terrence McKinney, and Drew Dober against Chris Duncan.