Newcomer Chris Dempsey meets Ilir Latifi at UFC Fight Night 46

With Tom Lawlor out with an injury, a UFC newcomer will step in on short notice later this month in Ireland.

Chris Dempsey (10-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has signed with the promotion to meet Ilir Latifi (8-3-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 46, UFC officials have announced.

Featuring a featherweight contest between Irishman Conor McGregor and Brazilian slugger Diego Brandao, UFC Fight Nigtht 46 takes place July 19 at The O2 in Dublin. The event is expected to stream in the U.S. on UFC Fight Pass.

The Pennsylvania-based Dempsey gets the call on the strength of an eight-fight winning streak, seven of which came under the Gladiators of the Cage banner in his home state. Of his 10 wins five have come by stoppage with a pair of knockouts and three submissions.

Latifi made his UFC debut as a light heavyweight, filling in on short notice to face Gegard Mousasi in a losing effort. He was given a second chance in the promotion and earned an emotional submission win over Cyrille Diabate in March.

Lawlor (9-5 MMA, 5-4 UFC) hasn’t fought since an April 2013 win over Michael Kuiper. Now his return continues to be on hold.

The latest UFC Fight Night 46 lineup now includes:

MAIN CARD (UFC Fight Pass, 3 p.m. ET)

• Conor McGregor vs. Diego Brandao
• Zak Cummings vs. Gunnar Nelson
• Ian McCall vs. Brad Pickett
• Naoyuki Kotani vs. Norman Parke

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass, noon ET)

• Chris Dempsey vs. Ilir Latifi
• Phil Harris vs. Neil Seery
• Mike King vs. Cathal Pendred
• Trevor Smith vs. Tor Troeng
• Cody Donovan vs. Nikita Krylov
• Patrick Holohan vs. Josh Sampo

For more on UFC Fight Night 46, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Ilir Latifi)