Michael Kuiper
Dutch middleweight Michael Kuiper (12-1) has a new opponent for his upcoming bout in Brazil next month after his original opponent, TUF: Brazil alum Thiago ‘Bodão’ Perpétuo (9-1-1), was forced out with an injury.
Meeting Kuiper at the upcoming UFC on FX 7 event will be another Brazilian fighter in Caio ‘Hellboy’ Magalhaes (5-1).
News of the change was announced by UFC officials on Saturday (Dec. 1, 2012).
UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping is expected to take place on January 19, 2012 at the Ibirapuera Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil. There are already twelve matches named to the show including headlining middleweights Vitor Belfort and Michael Bisping.
Magalhaes debuted in the Octagon this past June against fellow newcomer Buddy Roberts at UFC on FX 3 in Florida. ‘Hellboy’ would see his five fight undefeated streak end, losing by unanimous decision against Roberts who was the faster fighter that night. Magalhaes earned his last victory in December 2011 with a split decision win at a Shooto – Brazil event.
Kuiper will make his third straight appearance with the UFC, having finished opponent Jared Hamman this past August via second round TKO at UFC 150, and by losing a decision to Rafael Natal at UFC 143 in the Dutch fighters Octagon debut. That loss was the first of Kuiper’s career following eleven straight wins, all but one of which came via (T)KO or submission.