Now that Anderson Silva had to drop out from the stacked UFC 198 main card in Brazil, Uriah Hall needs a new opponent on short notice. A former TUF Finalist and welterweight, Dhiego Lima, has reached out as a possible replacement.
Lima tweeted yesterday,
“I’m a tuf finalist like you in shape Medicals up to date and Brazilian I’m your guy if u want to stay on the card”
Lima competed on TUF Season 19 and advanced all the way to the finale where the Brazilian lost to champion Eddie Gordon in the first round. Lima’s time in the UFC was mostly disappointing, after a decision win at UFC Fight Night 56 in 2014 against Jorge Antonio Cezario de Oliveria, he dropped two straight fights and was shown the exit door. Both of those fights; however, Lima accepted on short notice.
Following a brief hiatus where he was able to rediscover his love for fighting, Lima made a victorious return at Legacy 53 in Atlanta, GA, taking a decision win against Antonio Trocoli. That fight was in April of this year, and Lima has most recently signed with Titan FC. He is scheduled to fight David Michaud in Miami on June 10.
Lima holds an 11-4 professional record. If he were to replace Silva, he would have to move to middleweight, but moving up in weight would not be difficult for Lima who has stayed fit in between camps. His last weight cut to 170 was much easier as he reworked his nutritional approach, and he would most certainly be able to go up in weight.
Lima is slightly taller than Hall, standing at six-two as opposed to Hall’s six even. He is incredibly well rounded, holding 3 KO/TKO wins, 4 submission victories, and 4 decisions. Lima trains and coaches out of American Top Team in Lawrenceville, GA. Considering many middleweight opponents are already tied up with other fights, Lima could be the best option.