Bryan Barberena (photo via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

UFC 286 has undergone a change, a few weeks out from the event, as the promotion’s announced Bryan Barberena is replacing Daniel Rodriguez.

Rodriguez was scheduled to fight Gunnar Nelson at the March 18th card, which is going down in London, England. Recently, however, the UFC confirmed that Barberena is stepping in for Rodriguez.

No details regarding Rodriguez’s withdrawal were included.

Barberena (18-9) is coming off a submission loss to Rafael dos Anjos in December. The welterweight contender has gone 3-2 in his last 5 contests.

Nelson (18-5-1), meanwhile, hasn’t competed since last March, when he recorded a unanimous decision win over Takashi Sato. Nelson is 2-3 in his last 5 bouts.

Daniel Rodriguez is out! ❌@GunniNelson will now face @Bryan_Barberena at #UFC286 in London! 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/uTea2uJv64

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) February 24, 2023

UFC 286 will feature a rubber match between welterweight champ Leon Edwards and former champ, Kamaru Usman.