Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis has been forced out of his co-main event fight at UFC on FOX 16 against Myles Jury with an injury. Now, Brazilian Edson Barboza has stepped up to face Jury.
The news was reported on FOX Sports Live on Thursday night.
Anthony Pettis hurt, Edson Barboza faces Myles Jury at UFC on FOX 16
Pettis (18-3) won the belt when he submitted Benson Henderson in August of 2013, but did not defend his belt till the end of last year due to injuries and a coaching roll on The Ultimate Fighter 20. He submitted Gilbert Melendez at UFC 181 this past December, but was dominated by Rafael dos Anjos in March, and lost his title via decision.
‘Showtime’ suffered an elbow injury, but a timetable for his return was not given.
Barboza (15-3) was a promising up-and-comer and picked up his biggest win last November against Bobby Green, but is coming off a decision loss to Michael Johnson at UFC Fight Night 62.
Jury (15-1) suffered his first professional loss to top contender Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone, but prior to that, he picked up a stoppage win over veteran Takanori Gomi, and a decision over Diego Sanchez.
Barboza vs. Jury is set as the co-main event of the evening.
UFC on FOX 16 takes place live from the United Center in Chicago, IL on July 25. In the main event, bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw defends his belt against Renan Barao.
