Seung Woo Choi has been pulled from UFC Fight Island 5, replacing him against Youssef Zalal is Ilia Topuria.
Marcel Dorff of MMA DNA first reported the news. Zalal (10-2-0) is undefeated thus far under the UFC banner, having earned wins over Austin Lingo, Jordan Griffin and Peter Barrett. Zalal has not suffered a defeat in over a year with that last loss coming to Matt Jones via split decision at LFA 65 in May of 2019. Zalal has picked up half of his professional MMA wins by submission, while all of the fighter’s losses came by decision.
Topuria (8-0-0) is making his UFC debut in this bout and does so with an undefeated streak that has lasted over five years. Topuria is competing for the first time in nearly a year, with his last bout taking place in November of 2019. Topuria has competed eight times as a professional MMA fighter and none of his bouts went the distance.
UFC Fight Island 5 is set for Saturday, October 10 from Fight Island in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi with Marlon Moraes and Cory Sandhagen headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which streams live on ESPN+.
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