The UFC has signed a Brazilian prospect to replace injured Josh Thomson at UFC Fight Night 62.
Undefeated lightweight Gilbert Burns, who was scheduled to meet the former Strikeforce lightweight champion on March 21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, now meets Alex Oliveira. MMAFighting.com confirmed the news following a report from PVT.
There is no official word yet if Burns vs. Oliveira will be the co-main event.
Alex Oliveira (10-1-1, 1 no-contest) is a 26-year-old welterweight prospect from Rio de Janeiro’s Tata Fight Team. With nine stoppage wins under his belt, eight via KO or TKO, “Cowboy’s” only loss came in a decision against UFC fighter Wendell de Oliveira Marques in 2013. “Cowboy” is 6-1-1 since with one no-contest.
Burns (9-0), a lightweight fighter from Blackzilians, is unbeaten under the UFC banner with a decision victory over Andreas Stahl last July and a first-round submission over Christos Giagos in October. “Durinho” is also a multiple-time jiu-jitsu world champion, including wins over the likes of Kron Gracie, Caio Terra and JT Torres.
Headlined by a welterweight showdown between Demian Maia and Ryan LaFlare, UFC Fight Night 62 takes place at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanazinho gymnasium on March 21.
Demian Maia vs. Ryan LaFlare
Gilbert Burns vs. Alex Oliveira
Ben Saunders vs. Erick Silva
Matt Wiman vs. Leonardo Santos
Cain Carrizosa vs. Leonardo Mafra
Drew Dober vs. Leandro Silva
Francisco Trinaldo vs. Akbarh Arreola
Amanda Nunes vs. Shayna Baszler
Godofredo Pepey vs. Andre Fili
Katsunori Kikuno vs. Edmilson Souza
Christos Giagos vs. Jorge de Oliveira
Bentley Syler vs. Fredy Serrano