Raphael Assuncao removed from UFC Albany card following Aljamain Sterling injury

UFC bantamweight contender, Raphael Assuncao, will have to a little longer to get back in the Octagon. As MMA Fighting reported, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu blackbelt was removed from UFC Fight Night 102, as the organization was unable to find him a suitable replacement after his original opponent, Aljamain Sterling, suffered an injury.

Raphael Assuncao was on a seven-fight winning streak, with wins over notable names, such as former champion, TJ Dillashaw, Bryan Caraway, and Johnny Eduardo. He remained undefeated in the bantamweight division until he rematched Dillashaw, at UFC 200, when he suffered an unanimous decision loss. It's unknown whether or not the UFC will reschedule his bout against Sterling.

UFC Fight Night 102 will take place in Albany, New York, on December 9, and will be headlined by heavyweights Derrick Lewis and Shamil Abdurakhimov. Another pair of heavyweights will meet in the card's co-main event, as rising prospect Francis Ngannou takes on Anthony Hamilton. The entire card will stream live on UFC Fight Pass.