Photo via Sherdog.com
With an injury to Mackens Semerzier last week, news of a replacement surfaced on Saturday night with Gladiator Challenge veteran Roberto Peralta (14-3) stepping in with only two weeks notice.
Peralta’s manager, Jeff Clark broke the news via Twitter (@jeffclarkmma) naming Mike Lullo (8-3) as his opponent for this months UFC Fight Night 25 event.
UFC Fight Night: Shields vs. Ellenberger (aka UFC Fight Night 25, UFC: Battle on the Bayou) is scheduled to take place on September 17 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Lullo vs. Peralta will be fought at featherweight and has not been officially confirmed by UFC officials. The bout is expected to take place on the preliminary card.
Peralta is currently riding a seven fight win streak and is 12-1 in his last thirteen bouts. He made eight straight appearances with the Gladiator Challenge promotion in California before debuting with Strikeforce last April at the Diaz vs. Daley event. At the San Diego show, Peralta earned a split decision against Hiroyuki Takaya by scores of 30-27, 30-27, and 28-29.
Lullo makes his featherweight debut having made his first Octagon appearance last November. At UFC 123, the submission fighter was stopped by Edson Barboza in the third round by TKO (leg kicks). That loss ended an eight fight win streak for Lullo who earned six victories by submission, one by TKO and one by decision.