Canadian light heavyweight Roger ‘The Hulk’ Hollett (13-4) has reportedly suffered a torn bicep forcing him off next weeks UFC on FX 7 match versus Brazilian Wagner ‘Caldeirão’ Prado (8-1, 1NC).
While one door closes another has opened for allowing promotion newcomer Ildemar ‘Marajo’ Alcantara (17-5) a chance to make his Octagon debut taking the fight on eleven days notice. Alcantara normally competes at middleweight and will be moving up in weight to face his fellow Brazilian countryman.
News of Hollett’s injury was confirmed by MMAjunkie.com, while the change in opponents was announced by Brazil’s SporTV.
UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping goes down in just over a weeks time on January 19, 2013 at the Ibirapuera Arena in São Paulo, Brazil. Officials with the promotion have yet to announce the change at time of writing. The bout between Prado and Alcantara is certain to appear on the preliminary card, likely the Facebook streamed card.
Prado is still looking to capture his first UFC win after back-to-back fights with Phil Davis. The two fighters first met at UFC on FOX 4 this past August, but an errant eye poke by Davis put an end to the fight early in the first round. The two were matched up again for October at UFC 153 in Brazil which ended in a second round submission win for Davis. Before joining the UFC, Prado had been undefeated with eight straight wins.
Alcantara is the reigning Jungle Fights middleweight champ, having won the title after winning a Grand Prix tournament with the promotion. ‘Marajo’ is the younger brother of Yuri Alcantara who is also set to compete on the FX card against Pedro Nobre. Ildemar has won seven bouts in a row with his most recent victory coming in December, a first round TKO finish at Jungle Fights 47.