UFC on FX 6 Update: With Hacran Dias Out, Chad Mendes to Face Newcomer Yaotzin Meza

Meza’s management confirmed Monday that California native will face Mendes at UFC on FX 6, which takes place this Friday, Dec. 14, at Gold Coast Convention Centre in Gold Coast, Australia.

A training partner of UFC lightweight champ Benson Henderson at Arizona’s MMA Lab, Meza has spent nearly seven years competing on the southwestern circuit, where he has compiled a professional record of 18-7.

“This is a huge opportunity for me. I am thankful that the UFC is opening this door. I can’t wait to get to Australia, step into the Octagon, and show that I belong in this organization” Meza said in a statement. “I’ve been training hard already, helping Benson to prepare for his fight with [Nate] Diaz, so there won’t be a huge adjustment for me to get ready for this fight.”

Mendes comes off a 31-second body-shot knockout of Cody McKenzie at July’s UFC 148. The win saw the Team Alpha Male product rebound from a first-round January knockout loss to champion Jose Aldo, the first setback of Mendes’ career. The former collegiate wrestler holds a professional record of 12-1, with seven wins by way of decision.