Just hours after it was announced that veteran fighter Mark Munoz would return to the Octagon against Caio Magalhaes at UFC 184, Magalhaes had to withdraw due to an infection in his mouth.
Looks like Munoz will remain on the card. On Wednesday night UFC Tonight’s Ariel Helwani confirmed that Roan ‘Jucao’ Carneiro will step in to fight “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” on Feb. 28 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
The 36-year old Brazilian Carneiro will be making his second stint in the UFC, last appearing over six years ago at UFC 88 against Ryo Chonan (split decision loss). Since that time, he has gone on to fight for a variety of promotions, including most recently at Battlegrounds MMA, where he won a eight-man tournament by defeated Randall Wallace, Trey Houston and UFC vet Brock Larson all in a single night.
Munoz (13-5), also 36, is coming off first-round submission loss against Gegard Mousasi at UFC Fight Night 41 in Germany. Though that fight in May was his third loss in four outings, Munoz inked a new four-fight in June.
UFC 184 will feature two title fights. Middleweight champion will defend his belt against Vitor Belfort in the main event, while Ronda Rousey will take on challenger Cat Zingano in the co-main.