Jorge Masvidal – Image by Esther Lin for Strikeforce.com
Visa issues have forced Swedish based lightweight Reza ‘Mad Dog’ Madadi (13-3) out of this July’s upcoming UFC on FOX 8 event. Stepping in to face Madadi’s original opponent Michael ‘Maverick’ Chiesa (9-0) will be Strikeforce’s Jorge ‘Gamebred’ Masvidal (24-7).
The news was announced on Tuesday night’s ‘UFC T
Visa issues have forced Reza Madadi out of his UFC on FOX 8 bout with Michael Chiesa. In Madadi’s place steps former Strikeforce title challenger Jorge Masvidal. Masvidal made a successful Octagon debut earlier this year, outpointing Tim Means at April’s FOX event.
UFC on FOX 8 is expected to take place on July 27, 2013 at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. The event will see flyweight champ Demetrious Johnson defend his title versus No. 1 contender John Moraga.
Masvidal made his UFC debut last month at UFC on FOX 7, defeating Tim Means by decision at the San Jose event. The victory was ‘Gamebred’s’ fourth victory in five matches. The loss came in December 2011, a decision defeat versus Gilbert Melendez for the Strikeforce lightweight title.
Chiesa, the winner of TUF 15, remains undefeated in his pro career having submitted Anton Kuivanen last February. Chiesa would end things with a second round submission at UFC 157 to earn his second W with the top promotion after winning his debut in the TUF 15 Finale.