Not only is Uriah Hall going to fight on a quick turnaround, but he’s stepping up to the biggest challenge of his career.
The TUF 17 finalist from New York City will meet former Dream and Strikeforce champion Gegard Mousasi in a middleweight bout in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 73 on Sept. 27.
Hall will replace Roan Carneiro, who had to pull out of the date in Saitama, Japan. UFC.com reported the news on Wednesday.
Carneiro told MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani that his injured elbow, for which he had to undergo surgery in April, has not healed properly and that he is likely to have to go under the knife again. The original procedure was due to bursitis, but a loose piece of bone has caused complications.
Hall (11-5) scored a first-round knockout of Oluwale Bambgbose on Aug. 8. That was Hall’s fourth win in his past five fights.
Mousasi (37-5-2) has won two straight bouts, and three of four, most recently a decision victory over Costas Philippou on May 16.