Veteran lightweight Ross Pearson has agreed to step up on short notice and fight Jorge Masvidal in a welterweight fight at UFC 201 on July 30.
UFC officials confirmed the 170-pound fight to ESPN. Pearson replaces Masvidal's original opponent, Siyar Bahadurzada, who withdrew due to illness. UFC 201 takes place at Philips Arena.
It's a quick turnaround for Pearson (19-11). The British lightweight is just five days removed from a decision loss to Will Brooks at the TUF 23 Finale on July 8 in Las Vegas.
Pearson has competed as both a lightweight and featherweight in his UFC career. This will mark his first time fighting at welterweight.
Masvidal (29-11) is a former lightweight who moved up to welterweight last year. He is 1-2 since the switch, including back-to-back split-decision losses to Benson Henderson and Lorenz Larkin.
A welterweight title fight between Robbie Lawler (27-10) and Tyron Woodley (15-3) will headline UFC 201.
