Former WEC bantamweight fighter Takeya Mizugaki (13-5-2) is without an opponent for his UFC debut as part of the UFC on Versus 3 card next month. His original opponent, Francisco Rivera (5-1) has withdrawn from their bout due to an undisclosed injury.
MMAjunkie.com learned of the injury to Rivera from sources close to the fighter. The UFC appears to be searching for a replacement to face Mizugaki with a month-and-a-half to go before the fight.
Mizugaki went 2-3 with the WEC and has won two “Fight of the Night” honors, both in losing bouts. He made his debut against Miguel Torres at WEC 40 for the bantamweight title, losing a unanimous decision. He would trade losses for wins in those five fights, losing to Urijah Faber by technical submission last November at WEC 52.
Rivera had won five straight before taking his first fight under the WEC banner. He was stopped by Erik Koch by TKO at the same WEC 52 card, losing in the first round. So far he’s won three via (T)KO and two more by decision.
The upcoming UFC on Versus 3 event (aka UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann) will take place on March 3rd at the KFC! Yum Center in Louisville, Kentucky.