With Erik Koch recently suffering an injury in training (that seems to be happening a lot lately), that opened up a slot opposite Dustin Poirier at the UFC 143: "Diaz vs. Condit" event that is set to take place on Feb. 4, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Never fear, Ricardo Lamas is here. UFC.com brings word on the switch:
"Lamas is coming off a knockout victory followed by a 'Submission of The Night' win in his last two spectacular outings; while Poirier is a highly-touted power-punching prospect looking to make his case for a host at the title" said White. Both fighters have verbally agreed to the bout.
Lamas, 29, is a perfect 2-0 fighting inside the Octagon, including scoring a "Submission of the Night" at the UFC on Fox 1 event over Cub Swanson, undoubtedly the biggest win of "The Bully's" career.
Notch another one as a (relatively) short notice replacement and he could be headed for big things at 145-pounds.
Standing in the way, of course, is Dustin Poirier, who was also in action at the inaugural UFC on Fox 1 show where he scored a submission win over Pablo Garza with a gorgeous D'Arce choke.
The 22-year-old Tim Credeur protege is now 4-1 under the Zuffa banner and 11-1 overall. Time to take the next step. Or falter and head for the back of the line.
UFC 143 will be headlined by former Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz battling ex-WEC 170-pound kingpin Carlos Condit for the right to wear the division's Interim strap with Georges St. Pierre on the sidelines recovering from knee surgery.
In the co-main event, former welterweight number one contender Josh Koscheck will try to keep his spot among the 170-pound elite by taking on the venerable Mike Pierce.
For more on UFC 143: "Diaz vs. Condit" click here.
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