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Middleweight Darren Till arrives for Saturday's UFC 244 fight after visa issues

NEW YORK -- UFC middleweight Darren Till has officially made it to New York for his UFC 244 co-main event against Kelvin Gastelum on Saturday.

Till, of Liverpool, caused some panic this week, as he was delayed flying to the United States due to visa issues. Sources told ESPN on Wednesday that Till was expected to arrive on Thursday, but that didn't stop Gastelum from stating he would absolutely not face another opponent on short notice.

Ultimately, the crisis was averted, as Till arrived early Thursday morning and should be good to go for his co-main event at Madison Square Garden. UFC officials confirmed Till's arrival to ESPN, as did his representatives.

Of course, Till, 26, will still need to make the 186-pound weight limit on Friday, which could be more difficult given his travel circumstances. A source close to Till, however, told ESPN that he "did not see a problem" with Till making weight. Additionally, Gastelum indicated he would fight Till on Saturday even if he missed weight.

Saturday will mark Till's first middleweight appearance in the UFC. His other bouts took place at the 171-pound welterweight limit.

A welterweight bout between Nate Diaz (20-11) and Jorge Masvidal (37-14) is scheduled to headline the event.