Assuncao (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

Some fans may have been surprised to hear today that TJ Dillashaw, and not the man who beat him in October, Raphael Assuncao, will challenge Renan Barao at UFC 173. The new bout was confirmed as a replacement for Lyoto Machida vs. Chris Weidman, which has been moved to July 5th as a result of a knee injury to the latter.

Assuncao, who is the UFC’s #3 ranked bantamweight, Tweeted not long after the Barao-Dillashaw fight was announced:

Because of my injury sustained at UFC 170 (fractured rib) I could NOT take the fight for the title against Barão May 24 UFC 173 I am Sorry!

— Raphael Assuncao (@RaphaAssuncao) March 28, 2014

The 31 year-old, Brazilian fighter is currently riding a six fight win streak, and is coming off a UD win over Pedro Munhoz at UFC 170 February. At UFC FN 29 in October, Assuncao defeated Dillashaw by split decision.

UFC 173 will be hosted by the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 24th.