The lineup for UFC 139 has been finalized as UFC newcomer Alex Soto (6-0-1) fills the vacant spot against bantamweight prospect Michael McDonald (13-1) on the November 19th card. Brazilian submission ace Johnny Eduardo (25-9), McDonald's original opponent, was forced out of the bout after suffering a late shoulder injury last week. UFC officials have confirmed the switch.
McDonald, a former Tachi Palace Fights bantamweight champion, returns to the cage for the third time this year after earning UFC wins over Edwin Figueroa and Chris Cariaso. At just 20 years of age, "Mayday" is one of the youngest competitors in the UFC, and thus, one of its brightest prospects. He is currently perched on a six-fight win streak stretching back to late-2009.
Meanwhile, the undefeated Soto readies for his UFC debut despite battling to a draw with Seiji Akao at Deep 54 in his last appearance. A former U.S. Army war veteran and U.S. Navy dolphin trainer, the 27-year-old compiled a six-fight win streak before the setback, four of which ended in the first round.
UFC 139 will be held at the HP Pavilion Center in San Jose, California and headlined by a five-round non-title light heavyweight fight between former champions Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Dan Henderson.
UFC 139 fight card:
Main card (Pay-per-view):
Light Heavyweight: Mauricio Rua vs. Dan Henderson
Middleweight: Wanderlei Silva vs. Cung Le
Bantamweight: Urijah Faber vs. Brian Bowles
Welterweight: Martin Kampmann vs. Rick Story
Light Heavyweight: Stephan Bonnar vs. Kyle Kingsbury
Preliminary card (Spike TV):
Light Heavyweight: Ryan Bader vs. Jason Brilz
Middleweight: Tom Lawlor vs. Chris Weidman
Preliminary card:
Bantamweight: Miguel Torres vs. Nick Pace
Lightweight: Gleison Tibau vs. Rafael dos Anjos
Bantamweight: Michael McDonald vs. Alex Soto
Welterweight: Matt Brown vs. Seth Baczynski
Lightweight: Shamar Bailey vs. Danny Castillo