Joe Soto (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto’s return to the Octagon has been pushed back, as the UFC has announced that Joe Soto is stepping in for the bantamweight on June 18th.

Yamamoto had been scheduled to fight Chris Beal at UFC Fight Night 89, which will take place in Ottawa, Ontario. Recently the promotion confirmed the change; however, the reason for Yamamoto’s withdrawal wasn’t disclosed. The latter hasn’t fought now since February, 2015.

Soto (15-5) will be looking to end a three fighting losing streak. Most recently he lost via split decision to Michinori Tanaka in January.

Beal (10-2), on the other hand, hasn’t fought since last August when he lost via split decision to Chris Kelades. Beal is 3-2 in his last 5 contests.

UFC FN 89 will be headlined by a welterweight fight between contenders Rory MacDonald and Stephen Thompson.