Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC
Eubanks is replacing Marion Reneau opposite Ketlen Vieira.
After an impressive win over Julia Avila last week in Las Vegas, Sijara Eubanks’ next matchup will be on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
ESPN’s Marc Raimondi reported that Eubanks will replace the injured Marion Reneau against Ketlen Vieira on next week’s UFC 253 card on September 26th. Additionally, Eubanks signed a new contract with the UFC.
Eubanks (6-4) has recovered nicely from a two-fight losing streak by getting decisions over both Sarah Moras and the aforementioned Avila. Originally a contender at flyweight, “Sarj” has had well-documented problems making the weight limit and as such has made a seemingly permanent move to bantamweight.
Vieira (10-1) has not competed since a brutal knockout loss to Irene Aldana at UFC 245 last December. The Brazilian had scored notable wins over former title challengers Sara McMann and Cat Zingano prior to her first career defeat.
Current rankings have Eubanks at #13 and Vieira at #7, so this is no doubt a major opportunity for Sijara to really push forward her title aspirations on short notice.
UFC 253 is headlined by a highly anticipated middleweight title bout between Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa, while Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz vie for the vacant UFC light heavyweight belt.