Cezar Ferreira Withdraws From UFC on FX 8; Chris Camozzi Now Meets Rafael Natal

UFC officials recently announced that Rafael Natal will take Ferreira’s place in the middleweight bout, which goes down on May 18 at the Arena Jaragua in Jaragua do Sul, Brazil. It is the second time in a week that an injury has altered the matchup, as C.B. Dollaway was replaced by Camozzi early last week. UFC on FX 8 is headlined by a key 185-pound showdown between Luke Rockhold and Vitor Belfort.

The 30-year-old Natal enters the fight having won three of his last four bouts, including a third-round submission of promotional newcomer Sean Spencer at UFC on Fox 6 in January. The Gracie Fusion representative also owns triumphs over Paul Bradley and Michael Kuiper during his UFC tenure.

Camozzi will be looking for his fifth straight win inside the Octagon. After besting Dustin Jacoby, Nick Catone and Luiz Cane in 2012, the Colorado native began 2013 with a split verdict over Nick Ring at UFC 158. Camozzi has not tasted defeat since dropping a unanimous decision to Francis Carmont in October 2011.