With just three weeks remaining until UFC Rio — headlined by former Lightweight champion Charles Oliveira vs. No. 8-ranked Mateusz Gamrot inside Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — the promotion has dropped an updated event poster featuring “Gamer,” who steps in for the injured Rafael Fiziev (details).
That wasn’t the only news, though. UFC also bolstered the lineup with a Welterweight clash guaranteed to bring fireworks.
Unfortunately, Santiago Ponzinibbio was forced out of his fight with Vicente Luque, but stepping in will be Spanish standout Joel Alvarez, who makes his Welterweight debut.
Alvaro Colmenero was the first to report the news.
Luque (23-11-1) enters the matchup looking to rebound after suffering a second-round submission loss to Kevin Holland at UFC 316 earlier this year (watch highlights). Prior to that, “The Silent Assassin” choked Themba Gorimbo unconscious with an anaconda choke. Despite going just 2-4 in his last six appearances, the 32-year-old is eager to bounce back in front of his Brazilian fans.
Alvarez (22-3), meanwhile, is moving up to 170 pounds after a strong Lightweight campaign. Over the last five years, his only loss came against elite contender Arman Tsarukyan (watch highlights). “El Fenomeno” enters UFC Rio riding a three-fight win streak, boasting a perfect 100 percent finish rate with nearly all of his victories coming inside the first round. His debut at Welterweight adds even more intrigue to an already stacked card.
To checkout the latest UFC Rio fight card and rumors click here.
