Erick Silva (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Just over a month out from UFC Fight Night 36 in Jaragua do Sul, Brazil, Erick Silva has reportedly been assigned a new opponent, due to the withdrawal of Nate Loughran. The two were scheduled to fight at the February 15th event, which will be hosted by the Arena Jaragua.

According to a report from Combate.com, Japanese veteran Takenori Sato will replace Loughran, whose reason for withdrawing was not relayed. The UFC has not made any official announcement regarding the change.

Sato (17-8-7) will make his UFC debut having gone undefeated in 10 straight bouts. During that time the 28 year-old welterweight has been competing for DEEP and Pancrase.

Silva (15-4) will be looking to rebound from the knockout loss he suffered versus Dong Hyun Kim in October, which followed a tap-out victory over Jason High last June. The 29 year-old Brazilian is 2-3 in his last 5 bouts.

UFC FN 36 will be headlined by a middleweight bout between Lyoto Machida and Gegard Mousasi.