Injured Sergio Moraes out of TUF 18 Finale, replacement search underway

Sean Spencer (10-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC), himself an injury replacement, is awaiting a new opponent for The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale following the injury withdrawal of welterweight Sergio Moraes (8-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC).

MMAjunkie.com today confirmed Moraes’ scratch with a source close to the event. The nature of his injury wasn’t disclosed.

The TUF 18 Finale takes place Nov. 30 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The bulk of the card airs on FOX Sports 1 following prelims on MMAjunkie.com.

Spencer, who recently replaced injured Zak Cummings (16-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC), is likely to meet a replacement on the night’s prelims.

Moraes, a national champion grappler, was looking for his third straight UFC victory following a UFC-debut loss to Cezar Ferreira in “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil” tournament final. The 31-year-old Brazilian then posted back-to-back submission victories over Renee Forte and Neil Magney. The latter earned him a “Submission of the Night” bonus at UFC 163.

The latest TUF 18 Finale card now includes:

• Champ Demetrious Johnson vs. Joseph Benavidez – for flyweight title
• TBA vs. TBA – “TUF 18? men’s tournament final
• TBA vs. TBA – “TUF 18? women’s tournament final
• Nate Diaz vs. Gray Maynard
• Walter Harris vs. Jared Rosholt
• Maximo Blanco vs. Akira Corassani
• Tom Niinimaki vs. Rani Yahya
• Sean Spencer vs. opponent TBA

For more on The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Sergio Moraes)