Deiveson Figueiredo has a new opponent for his first UFC flyweight title defense.
MMA Fighting has confirmed with people with knowledge of the change that Cody Garbrandt is out of his championship bout with Figueiredo (19-1), which was expected to take place at UFC 255 on Nov. 21. Stepping in for Garbrandt will be top contender Alex Perez.
Combate was first to report to report the news. No reason has been given for Garbrandt’s withdrawal.
Figueiredo became the UFC flyweight champion in his second shot at a vacant belt, defeating Joseph Benavidez by first-round submission this past July at a show in Abu Dhabi.