Beltran Replaces Al-Turk at UFC 109

D. Mandel/Sherdog.com

Joey Beltran will replace Mostapha Al-Turk in a heavyweight bout against Rolles Gracie at UFC 109 this Saturday in Las Vegas, the promotion confirmed on Tuesday.

MMAWeekly.com reported last week that Al-Turk was having difficulties securing a visa to enter the U.S. for the bout. Sherdog.com has not been able to confirm if that is the reason for Al-Turk’s withdrawal.

The 28-year-old Beltran, who trains at UFC light heavyweight Brandon Vera’s Alliance gym in Chula Vista, Calif., stopped Houston Alexander with a second-round TKO at a 5150 Combat League/Xtreme Fighting League event on Jan. 16 in Tulsa, Okla. Beltran has also bested UFC veterans Sherman Pendergarst and Wes Combs in previous bouts.

Gracie is the latest of the famous fighting family to enter the cage. Gracie, 31, is undefeated in his three career bouts, which includes a first-round submission over Peter Graham at Art of War 14 in Macao, China last September.