UFC welterweight Alex Morono will replace Robbie Lawler, who dropped out because of injury, and will fight against Santiago Ponzinibbio of Argentina on December 11 at UFC 282.
Earlier, famous journalist Brett Okamoto reported that Lawler withdrew from the tournament because of an injury, the severity of which hasn't been clarified.
Morono, 32, is on a streak of five straight wins in the UFC. He last appeared in the Octagon on July 30 at UFC 277. At that time, he faced Matthew Semelsberger, defeating him by unanimous decision of the judges.
Ponzinibbio competed against Brazilian Michel Pereira at UFC Fight Night 206 last May. Santiago lost that fight by split decision. He has 28 wins and six losses under his belt.