Curran (photo via WEC)

By FCF Staff

Resurrection Fighting Alliance has announced that Jeff Curran will no longer fight Sergio Pettis for the promotion’s vacant flyweight title on June 21st as scheduled. According to a press release from the promotion,  the UFC vet has withdrawn due to personal reasons, and as a result, Dillard Pegg will fight Pettis.

RFA President Ed Soares was quoted saying in the announcement:

“It’s unfortunate that Jeff Curran had to pull out of the fight on short notice, but this happens, even at the highest levels of MMA,” said Soares. “As an organization that models itself after the UFC, we had to move forward and find a worthy replacement to give the fans an exciting title fight that is just as compelling as the original bout. Luckily, we were able to find that in “Smokin’ Joe” Pegg. Pegg has finished all four opponents he has faced in 2013 and brings an explosive striking arsenal that will clash well with Sergio Pettis. Pegg is in shape after winning a fight five days ago with a 42-second submission, and like Sergio Pettis, he’s also a second degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. He’s fast, aggressive, and looks for the finish. This is a huge opportunity for Pegg and I believe this is going to be a great main event for the first ever RFA flyweight title.”

“I didn’t hesitate when the RFA called me, because headlining this card and fighting for a title against Sergio Pettis is the chance of a lifetime,” said Pegg. “I expect people to look over me, but they shouldn’t. I’m going to give everything I have on June 21st. I don’t care what your last name is, this is a fight, and you never know what can happen. If I beat Pettis, not only will my confidence be sky high, but it also shows that win on national TV. This is a huge opportunity for my career and I am excited, in shape, and ready to take on Sergio Pettis.”

The 35 year-old Curran had relayed in recent interviews that he was hoping to return to the UFC as a flyweight, and that a win over Pettis–the younger brother of UFC star Anthony–would aid him in doing so. Pettis has gone 7-0 since turning professional in 2011.

RFA 8 will be hosted by The Rave / Eagles Club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and will be broadcast on AXS TV.