King of the Cage bantamweight champion Jared Papazian has signed with the UFC and will debut against Mike Easton on the main card of UFC on FX 1, according to reports from MMA Weekly.
Papazian replaces Ken Stone just days after the WEC veteran was scratched from the bout with an injury. UFC officials have yet to confirm the switch.
A 23-year-old Armenian prospect, Papazian (14-6) steps into the Octagon a winner of eight of his last nine contests, including three straight since March. "The Jackhammer" carries six finishes to his credit and last fought in September, where he earned a unanimous decision win over Marvin Garcia to defend his KOTC title.
Across the cage, former UWC bantamweight champion Easton (11-1) capped a six-fight win streak with a brutal second-round TKO victory over Byron Bloodworth in his October UFC debut. At just 27 years old, "The Hulk" has amassed an impressive résumé that includes wins over TUF 14's John Dodson and Josh Ferguson, as well as former WEC champion Chase Beebe.
UFC on FX takes place on January 20, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee. Explosive lightweight contender Melvin Guillard duels former number-one contender Jim Miller in the night's main event.
UFC on FX 1 fight card:
Main card (FX):
Lightweight: Jim Miller vs. Melvin Guillard
Welterweight: Josh Neer vs. Duane Ludwig
Bantamweight: Mike Easton vs. Jared Papazian
Heavyweight: Pat Barry vs. Christian Morecraft
Preliminary card (Fuel TV):
Middleweight: Jorge Rivera vs. Eric Schafer
Welterweight: Charlie Brenneman vs. Daniel Roberts
Lightweight: Kamal Shalorus vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov
Light Heavyweight: Ryan Jimmo vs. Karlos Vemola
Bantamweight: Joseph Sandoval vs. Nick Denis
Lightweight: Fabricio Camoes vs. Reza Madadi