Chris Camozzi

By Timothy J. Gilbert

A series of injuries has resulted in the recent booking of middleweights Chris Camozzi and Rafael Natal for their bout at UFC on FX 8.

The fight was originally scheduled to see C.B. Dollaway face Cezar Ferreira, but an injury originally forced Dollaway out, opening the door for Camozzi to fill in. Then Ferreira got hurt, and now Natal has stepped in.

Camozzi confirmed the fight on his official website on Saturday. Camozzi, who recently fought at UFC 158, expanded on the announcement posting:

“I was just notified today that Cezar suffered a training injury and my new opponent would be Rafael Natal. I dont care who I fight, Im just looking to build my record and make money for my new family and show the UFC they can count on me when they need me.”

Natal (15-4) is coming off of a third round submission victory over Sean Spencer, putting him back in the winning column after getting knocked out by Andrew Craig. Before losing to Craig, Natal was on a two fight win streak, taking decisions over Paul Bradley and Michael Kuiper.

Camozzi (19-5) has been victorious in his last four UFC appearances. His most recent win came by way of split decision victory over Nick Ring at UFC 158. Camozzi has not lost since Francis Carmont took a unanimous decision over him at UFC 137 in October of 2011.

The fight will take place on May 18 at Arena Jaragua in Jaragua Do Sul, Santa Catarina, Brazil