Nick Penner – photo via UFC.com
Former Strikeforce fighter Eddie Mendez (7-0-1, 1NC) will have to wait to make his Octagon debut after falling to the injury bug. Stepping in for Mendez will be another newcomer Cody Donovan (7-2) who now takes on Canadian light heavyweight Nick Penner (11-2) at the upcoming UFC on FX 6 event.
Mendez announced his injury via Twitter on Wednesday “Sorry to announce that I have injured my shoulder and won’t be able to make my UFC Debut next week.”
While Donovan informed fans via his Facebook page the same night, ““After eight long years of training and doing what I love, it’s finally official. Last night I signed with the UFC. I’m so grateful for this opportunity.”
UFC on FX: Sotiropoulos vs. Pearson is expected to take place on December 15, 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Queensland, Australia. The newly minted Penner vs. Donovan match is slated to open the event on the nights prelim card.
Penner debuted with the UFC this past March seeing his eight fight win streak stopped by Anthony Perosh at the UFC on FX 2 event by TKO with just one second left in the first round. That was Penner’s first international match having competed in Canada with his last win taking place in September 2011 by decision.
Donovan has won three in a row with just one fight happening in 2012, a first round submisison win at an Instinct MMA show. Previous to that he debuted with Bellator in March 2011, winning a decision over opponent Brian Albin. He’s earned three wins by (T)KO, three by submission and one by decision in his pro career.