Steven Siler – image via UFC.com
UFC featherweight Jimmy Hettes (10-0) has reportedly been forced to withdraw from his upcoming UFC on FX 4 bout against Steven Silver (20-9).
Replacing Hettes will be undefeated newcomer Joey ‘The Raging Warrior’ Gambino (9-0) at the upcoming New Jersey event.
The change was announced on Wednesday by Siler’s representatives at AMR Group, and as well by Siler himself as he posted the update on Facebook. Nothing official has been announced by UFC officials yet.
UFC on FX 4 (aka UFC on FX: Maynard vs. Guida) is expected to take place on June 22, 2012 at the Revel Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event is headlined by a lightweight bout between former No. 1 contender Gray Maynard and the energetic Clay Guida.
Gambino is the current featherweight champion for the Cage Fury Fighting Championships promotion, having gone 2-0 involving the CFFC belt. Most recently, Gambino defended his title this past February, earning a decision win over Kenny Foster at a CFFC 13 event. He owns three (T)KO and five submission finishes, as well as the one decision victory in his short career.
Siler has won both of his Octagon appearances, winning a decision against Cole Miller at the UFC on FX 2 show in March and a decision against fellow TUF 14 competitor Josh Clopton at the shows finale. Siler was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Diego Brandao of the reality tv series and was part of Team Miller.