Shogun Rua injured, Yushin Okami steps in to face Ovince Saint Preux at UFC Japan

An undisclosed injury forced Mauricio Rua out of his upcoming main event rematch against Ovince Saint Preux scheduled for next Saturday, September 23. As it was announced during the UFC Pittsburgh broadcast, Rua will be replaced by UFC veteran and former middleweight title challenger Yushin Okami.

Mauricio Rua (25-10) is currently on a three-fight winning streak, with wins over Gian Villante, Corey Anderson, and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. His last loss was the 34-second KO loss he suffered against Ovince Saint Preux, in November 2014.

Yushin Okami (34-10) has been fighting as a welterweight since 2015 and currently rides a four-fight winning streak with wins over Ryuta Sakurai, Shingo Suzuki, Paul Bradley and Andre Lobato. His last loss came in October 2015, when he faced Jon Fitch. Okami was let go by the UFC back in 2013 after a stoppage loss to Ronaldo Souza.

Yushin Okami is now expected to face Ovince Saint Preux in the main event of UFC Fight Night 117, in Saitama, Japan, on September 23. Due to the time zone difference, the event will technically air on Friday, September 22nd in North America. FXX, not Fox Sports 1, will televise the main card and four prelims.