Bobby Green replaces Jamie Varner, meets Pat Healy at UFC on FOX 9

Bobby Green (21-5 MMA, 2-0 UFC) will look to stay perfect in the octagon as he steps up on one month’s notice to face Pat Healy (31-16 MMA, 0-2 UFC).

Green today announced via Facebook that he has agreed to replace an injured Jamie Varner (21-8-1 MMA, 3-3 UFC) and face Healy at UFC on FOX 9, which takes place Dec. 14 at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, Calif. MMAjunkie subsequently confirmed with a UFC official that verbal agreements are in for the fight and bout contracts are expected to be finalized shortly.

UFC on FOX 9's main card airs on FOX. Prelims, including Green vs. Healy, air on FOX Sports 1 and stream on MMAjunkie.

Green fought just six days ago, earning a dubious TKO win over James Krause after striking him twice with illegal blows and then securing the win with a kick to the body that also appeared to graze the cup. Still, the win extended “King” Green’s winning streak to six fights – a run that includes two UFC victories and another four under the Strikeforce banner.

Meanwhile, Healy looks to cap off a tumultuous 2013 with a win. In January, “Bam Bam” closed out a seven-fight Strikeforce run with a victory over Kurt Holobaugh. But he then had a successful UFC win over Jim Miller overturned to a no-contest after testing positive for marijuana, which cost him two fight-night bonuses. Healy returned to action in September but suffered a decision loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov.

MMAjunkie.com first reported Varner’s removal from the card. Earlier today, he revealed he suffered a torn rotator cuff in training and is expected to need six weeks of rehab before reevaluating the injury.

I guess the word got out so I thought I’d let everyone know last weds sparring I tore my rotator cuff and will be out a few weeks! Sorry ;(

— Jamie Varner (@jamievarner) November 12, 2013

“@nizzicole: @jamievarner heal up, Jamie! we love ya!” Thank u I started rehab already looks like 6 weeks than I get another MRI

— Jamie Varner (@jamievarner) November 12, 2013

For more on UFC on FOX 9, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Bobby Green)