Rafaello Oliveira – photo via UFC.com
A broken hand has forced UFC lightweight Rafaello ‘Tractor’ Oliveira (15-5) out of his upcoming bout with TUF 15 winner Michael ‘Maverick Chiesa (8-0).
The two were scheduled to meet at the upcoming UFC on FOX 5 event, and now leaves Chiesa without an opponent.
Both fighters announced the news on Twitter (@RafaelloTractor):
– @MikeMav22 I would love to KO you out bro , but unhappily I broke my hand in my camp in NU , but I will see you around , love to fight you
Chiesa’s response (@MikeMav22):
– Oliveira made a wise career choice pulling out of the fight with me. New opponent coming soon. #fuck
UFC on FOX: Henderson vs. Diaz is expected to take place on December 8, 2012 at KeyArena in Seattle, Washington.
Oliveira is 1-2 in his last three bouts since returning to the Octagon. ‘Tractor’ won a unanimous decision against Yoislandy Izquierdo this past July at UFC 148 while losing to Yves Edwards at the UFC on Versus 6 show, and to Gleison Tibau at UFC 130.
Chiesa debuted in the Octagon at the TUF 15 Finale last June, winning that season’s title as “The Ultimate Fighter” by choking out Al Iaquinta. That was the eight straight victory for Chiesa.