After Two Opponent Switches, Efrain Escudero to Continue His Progression

Filed under: UFCIt’s been a game of musical chairs for Efrain Escudero. It seems like every time he sits down, he has a new opponent.

Escudero, the Season 8 lightweight winner of “The Ultimate Fighter,” will face Charles Oliveira on Wednesday at UFC …

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It’s been a game of musical chairs for Efrain Escudero. It seems like every time he sits down, he has a new opponent.

Escudero, the Season 8 lightweight winner of “The Ultimate Fighter,” will face Charles Oliveira on Wednesday at UFC Fight Night 22. But only after having two other planned matchups for him on the card change.

Escudero was slated for a bout with John Gunderson on Wednesday’s card in Austin, Texas, which precedes the Season 12 premiere of “The Ultimate Fighter” on Spike TV. When co-main event fighter Mac Danzig had to pull out of his rematch with Matt Wiman, Escudero moved into Danzig’s spot. And then Wiman got hurt and dropped off the card.

Enter Oliveira less than a month before the fight. But Escudero said Thursday on a media call for the event that the opponent changes didn’t bother him.

“You know, I really didn’t pay much attention to it,” Escudero said. “It was a month out, so I had enough time. … We’re worried about what we’re bringing to the table. We’re not worried on what they’re going to bring to the table. We’re making them fight our fight, and we’re going to go out there and do our job. Being in top shape and being ready to fight anybody they throw at us, that’s our main priority and our main goal.”