Mirsad Bektic off UFC 231 due to injury, new opponent sought for Renato Moicano

Next month’s UFC 231 pay-per-view card has taken its first hit. Featherweight Mirsad Bektic has been removed from the card due to injury. As a result the UFC is currently looking for a new opponent for Renato Moicano.

Nolan King of FloCombat was the first to report the news.

Mirsad Bektic (13-1) was heading into this scheduled matchup off a split decision win over Ricardo Lamas at UFC 225. The 27-year-old has gone 6-1 in the UFC, with his lone loss coming against Darren Elkins at UFC 209 in one of the biggest come from behind wins in UFC history.

This injury is another setback for the Tristar product who was only able to compete once last year due to two opponents falling out due to injury. This is the second time Bektic has a matchup against Moicano cancelled as the pair were slated to face off a UFC Fight Night 67 before an injury forced the Brazilian off the card.

Moicano (13-1-1) is in a tough spot because his matchup with Bektic likely was serving as a backup to the Max Holloway vs. Brian Ortega main event, should one of those fighters fall out due to injury.

After his win over Calvin Kattar back at UFC 223, Moicano called out former champion Jose Aldo. Currently, Aldo is without an opponent and is coming off an impressive win over Jeremy Stephens. That may be an option the promotion looks at as Moicano has already defeated most of the top fighters in the division including Cub Swanson, Kattar, Jeremy Stephens and Zubaira Tukhugov.

UFC 231 takes place at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Dec. 8. In the main event Max Holloway defends his featherweight title against Brian Ortega.

Who do you want to see Renato Moicano fight on the card?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 11/16/2018.