An injury to powerhouse bantamweight Mike Easton has caused quite the shakeup for upcoming bouts within the division.
Originally scheduled to throw down with Yves Jabouin, Easton has had to withdraw from their UFC on FUEL 3 matchup. Stepping in to fill his shoes will be Jeff Hougland, who was already scheduled to face Renan Barao this summer.
Many were put off by the original pairing due to the impressive resume of Barao. In November, Brad Pickett became another name on Renan’s resume when he succumbed to a first-round submission. The Brazilian was able to follow that impressive performance with a shutout decision over former title contender Scott Jorgensen. Now that he is riding a winning streak that spans 29 contests, a booking against the untouted Hougland was deemed underwhelming to say the least.
Barao faces new competition at UFC 148, however, as Ivan Menjivar is replacing Hougland in the contest. Menjivar, a current training partner of Georges St. Pierre, is enjoying a three fight win streak of his own, after a come-from-behind victory of John Albert back in February.
“The Pride of El Salvador” is a savvy veteran who has a submission victory over Joe Lauzon and cage time against Urijah Faber and welterweight champions Georges St. Pierre and Matt Serra.
It should be assumed that the winner of this new matchup will be next in line to take on the winner of the upcoming bout between Faber and bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz.
“UFC on FUEL TV 3: Korean Zombie vs. Poirer” takes place May 15 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, Va. Main card fights air live on FUEL TV while preliminary card fights stream on Facebook.
UFC 148 takes place July 7 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. It’s main card airs live on pay-per-view while preliminary card fights air on FX.
Source: MMAJunkie.com
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