With Jim Hettes out, Kurt Holobaugh steps in to face Steven Siler at UFC 159

Jim Hettes (10-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) has been forced out a planned UFC 159 matchup with Steven Siler (21-10 MMA, 3-1 UFC), and Strikeforce import Kurt Holobaugh (9-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has agreed to take his place.

UFC officials revealed the switch during Tuesday’s new edition of “UFC Tonight.”

UFC 159 takes place April 27 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. The main card, including a main event between light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen, airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FX and Facebook. Holobaugh vs. Siler is expected to take place on the evening’s preliminary portion.

Holobaugh makes his UFC debut hoping to rebound from his first professional loss. The Louisianan was a late-notice replacement against Pat Healy at Strikeforce’s final event this past January and put up a game effort in defeat. in his first nine career outings, Holobaugh earned eight stoppage wins.

Siler, a semifinalist on “The Ultimate Fighter 14,” won his first three UFC fights, including decision wins over Josh Clopton and Cole Miller, as well as a submission victory over Joey Gambino. However, in his most recent bout, he suffered a decision loss to Darren Elkins to UFC 154.

Hettes, meanwhile, opened his career with a 10-0 mark, which included UFC wins over Alex Caceres and Nam Phan (he also won his first nine fights via submission). However, the Pennsylvania-based fighter then suffered a decision loss to Marcus Brimage back in September, which marks his most recent appearance. A timetable for Hettes’ return wasn’t immediately available.

For more on UFC 159, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Kurt Holobaugh)