Not even 24 hours after the original report of Johnny Eduardo vs. Yuri Alcantara was planned January 19th event in Brazil, there’s been a change in the lineup. Eduardo, while not injured, is reportedly out of the fight, and in steps George Roop. Via MMA Junkie:
According to a report from Sportv.com, Johnny Eduardo (26-9 MMA, 1-1 UFC) is out of a planned fight against Yuri Alcantara (27-4 MMA, 2-1 UFC). In Eduardo’s place steps George Roop (12-9-1 MMA, 2-5 UFC), who will return to 135 pounds after a stint at featherweight.
Eduardo is apparently being used for a different fight but not on that card.
Roop was a TUF 8 alum and competed as a lightweight, but was released from the UFC after a 1-2 record. He entered the WEC as a bantamweight, losing to Eddie Wineland by unanimous decision, prompting him to move back up to his natural featherweight.
He’s most famous for knocking out Chan Sung Jung with a massive head kick. That propelled him towards the top of 145 until Mark Hominick knocked him out in January 2011. He’s lost his last two fights and hasn’t fought since January 2012, a KO loss to Cub Swanson.
So once again you’ll get to experience the oddity of a 6’1 fighter fighting at bantamweight.
The January 19th show is likely to be scheduled for FUEL TV.