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A featherweight bout between two seasoned UFC veteran has been reportedly added to the first card of June. Per Daniel Pineda’s own post on his official Instagram profile, he is now scheduled to take on top 15 ranked Alex Caceres on June 3rd at the UFC’s Apex facility.
“When the boss calls, you answer. Resigned [sic] and we right back into camp. June 3rd. Let’s have some fun!” Daniel Pineda posted.
Despite being on the receiving end of one the longest medical layoffs handed out at the event following his performance at UFC San Antonio—which could have potentially left Pineda sidelined until September—it seems that his injuries must not have been as serious as they first appeared. While the fighter didn’t comment specifically on his suspension status, hopefully he’s got the ‘all clear’ to jump back into competition.
Daniel Pineda had wanted to face Jamall Emmers
Though Daniel Pineda originally wanted to re-schedule a fight against Jamall Emmers, from which he was forced to withdraw due to an injury, it seems the promotion had different plans. The 4oz Fight Club fighter will have to put that plan back on the shelf for sometime in the future.
“That was actually one of the first times I pulled out of a fight, (the one) with Jamal Emmers.” Pineda said in an interview on YouTube channel MMA Report. “That was my first time pulling out. That got to me. I was like ‘Damn, I pulled out of this freaking fight’. I owe Jamal Emmers a fight. If he wants to fight, I’m more than willing to take that fight again.”
A returning veteran in his second Octagon stint, Daniel Pineda (28-14- 3 NC) had a two-year tenure from January 2012 to March 2014. During that time, the 37-year-old amassed a 3-4 record, with wins over Pat Schilling, Mackens Semerzier and Justin Lawrence, all by way of submission.
However, losses to Mike Brown, Antonio Carvalho, Diego Brandao and Robert Whiteford ultimately led to Daniel Pineda’s release. After spending nine years on the regional circuit as well as other major promotions such as Bellator and the Professional Fighters League, the ‘Pit’ returned to the UFC in August 2020 with a TKO win over Herbert Burns.
The victory was followed by a knockout loss to Cub Swanson and a No Contest against Andre Fili when an eye poke rendered Pineda unable to continue. Most recently, the 37-year-old scored a submission win over Tucker Lutz, back in March at UFC San Antonio, in his home state of Texas.
Alex Caceres looking to start a new winning streak
Meanwhile, Caceres (20-13-1 NC) will look to keep his winning ways rolling after a knockout victory over Julian Erosa, back in December 2022. Before that, the 34-year-old suffered a unanimous decision loss to Sodiq Yusuff, in March of the same year. A UFC fighter since 2011, ‘Bruce Leroy’ joined the promotion as cast member on The Ultimate Fighter 12.
During his time in the UFC, Caceres has shared the Octagon with notable names in both the bantamweight and featherweight divisions, including Sergio Pettis, Urijah Faber and Yair Rodriguez, among others. The 34-year-old’s long career in the Endeavor-owned promotion has left him as one of the most active fighters in UFC history, with 30 bouts to his name.
UFC Fight Night 225 will take place in Las Vegas, NV. Dana White has recently confirmed that a middleweight bout between Jack Hermansson and Brendan Allen is expected to headline the card. Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate is also set to fight at the event, taking on Brazilian action fighter Mayra Bueno Silva.
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