Just a few days after Erik Koch bowed out of what was perceived as a number-one contender fight with Dustin Poirier at UFC 143, another talented featherweight has agreed to step in face Poirier, and it will be Ricardo Lamas. The UFC announced the booking for the February 4th card in Las Vegas, this morning:

An injury has forced Erik Koch out of his UFC 143 contenders' match against Dustin Poirier, UFC president Dana White confirmed today. Fellow rising 145er Ricardo Lamas, has stepped up to fill the open slot.

"Lamas is coming off a knockout victory followed by a Submission of The Night' win in his last two spectacular outings; while Poirier is a highly-touted power-punching prospect looking to make his case for a host at the title" said White. Both fighters have verbally agreed to the bout.

After mixed success in the WEC, Lamas has impressed since moving over to the UFC, earning stoppage victories in both of his fights in the Octagon. Now at the rank of brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the Chicago native has added some slick submission skills to his already impressive wrestling game. The only common opponent he has with Poirier is Danny Castillo (who now competes at lightweight), with both men having lost to Castillo.

Ricardo Lamas (11-2)
W Cub Swanson (submission - arm triangle) - UFC on Fox 1
W Matt Grice (TKO - head kick and punches) - UFC on Versus 4
L Yuri Alcantara (KO) - WEC 53

Dustin "Diamond" Poirier (11-1)
W Pablo Garza (submission - d'arce choke) - UFC on Fox 1
W Jason Young (unam. decision) - UFC 131
W Josh Grispi (unam. decision) - UFC 125

UFC 143 coverage