Chris Camozzi
After stepping in as a replacement for C.B. Dollaway at UFC on FX 8, middleweight Chris Camozzi (19-5) has a a new opponent for the Brazilian event after an injury forced Cezar Ferreira off the card.
Stepping in for for the ‘Mutant’ will be Rafael ‘Sapo’ Natal (15-4-1) who campaigned for the match on Twitter following Camozzi’s victory last month in Montreal.
Camozzi posted the update on his personal blog on Saturday (@chriscamozzimma.com).
I was just notified today that Cezar suffered a training injury and my new opponent would be Rafael Natal. I dont care who I fight, Im just looking to build my record and make money for my new family and show the UFC they can count on me when they need me. Even though this is called a “short notice” fight, I still feel as though 6 weeks gives me enough time to get ready for Natal. Im a fighter with the UFC and Im paid to fight who they give me!
Natal lobbied on twitter to fight me after UFC 158 and it looks like he gets his wish. See you in Brazil
UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Rockhold (aka UFC on FX 8) is expected to take place on May 8, 2013 at the Arena Jaraguá in Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil. Former UFC champ Vitor Belfort will welcome Strikeforce 185-lbs champ Luke Rockhold to the UFC in the main event.
Camozzi was to have faced Ferreira in the opening bout of the FX televised main card. It’s a good bet that the match with Natal will remain in the same slot.
Natal is 3-1 in his last four matches while splitting his last two. ‘Sapo’ picked up a third round submission victory last January at UFC on FOX 6, defeating replacement newcomer Sean Spencer at the Chicago show. The loss occurred in July of last year and came via second round knockout versus Andrew Craig at the UFC on FUEL TV 4 event.
Camozzi was in action earlier this month in Montreal at UFC 158 where he won his fourth straight bout by defeating Canadian Nick Ring by split decision. The trip to Brazil will be Camozzi’s second in the past year having won a decision against Luiz Cane last October at UFC 153.