A case of dehydration has rendered Ronny Markes ineligible to compete in the WSOF 20 light heavyweight main event against David Branch.

Jesse McElligott (5-1), originally slated for action on the WSOF 20 preliminary card, will be making his WSOF debut as he step up to face Branch (15-3) in the main event.

“Ronny’s condition is an unfortunate situation, but we are glad that his health has improved since the episode he experienced earlier today,” said WSOF President Ray Sefo. “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.”

The 24-year-old McElligott of West Roxbury, Mass., is looking for his third straight win with his most recent second round submission victory over Kevin Haley in June 2014.

WSOF will compensate McElligott’s original opponent, Steve Skrzat, will his full fight purse.

WSOF 20 takes place Friday at Foxwoods MGM Grand Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. The main card airs on NBCSN following prelims on The MMA Corner.

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José began his career as a mixed martial arts journalist while still enrolled at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University. Since graduating in May 2013, he has attended dozens of high profile UFC fight cards as a credentialed member of the media, providing live cage side coverage through his articles and videos. His work has appeared on UFC.com, ArizonaSports.com and AZCentral. He is also currently one of the main contributors on Power MMA Show at Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, one of the first all MMA radio shows on a major radio station.