Gesias ‘JZ’ Cavalcante forced out of planned World Series of Fighting 8 headliner

World Series of Fighting lightweight Justin Gaethje (10-0) awaits a new opponent, as Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante (18-7-1) has been forced to withdraw from a planned lightweight title fight at WSOF 8.

MMAjunkie today learned from sources close to the promotion that Cavalcante has suffered an injury in training and has been scratched from the event just one day after it was announced.

Gaethje now awaits a new opponent for a five-round fight with WSOF’s inaugural lightweight belt on the line.

World Series of Fighting 8 is scheduled for Jan. 18 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. In addition to the championship fight, Anthony Johnson faces Mike Kyle and Cody Bollinger meets Tyson Nam.

Gaethje is an undefeated prospect who fights out of Colorado’s Grudge Training Center. Since making his professional debut in August 2011, Gaethje has rattled off 10 straight wins, including nine by way of stoppage. Gaethje has already competed three times for WSOF, earning wins over Dan Lauzon, Brian Cobb and Cavalcante, who he downed via doctor’s stoppage when a cut ended their first meeting in less than three minutes.

Meanwhile, “JZ” Cavalcante also boasts three WSOF fights, including wins over Tyson Griffin and T.J. O’Brien sandwiched around the disappointing loss to Gaethje. With more than nine years of professional experience, Cavalcante has also fought under the Strikeforce, DREAM and K-1 HERO’s banners.

A timetable for his return was not immediately established.

For more on WSOF 8, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante)