Thiago Alves Withdraws From UFC Fight Night 49 Bout With Jordan Mein, Replaced By Brandon Thatch

After returning from more than two years off to defeat Seth Baczynski in a “Fight of the Night”-winning affair at April 19’s UFC on FOX 11, longtime UFC welterweight Thiago Alves looked to continue that momentum by signing on to face dangerous prospect Jordan Mein at August’s UFC Fight Night 49 from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

But unfortunately, those plans will have to wait as Alves has suffered yet another unfortunate injury. According to MMA Junkie, a knee injury has forced him off of the card.

In his place has stepped rising contender Brandon Thatch. The lethal Denver, Co.-based kickboxer made waves in his first two UFC bouts last year, dispatching Justin Edwards and Paulo Thiago with brutal first round finishes. “Rukus” said he needed some time off from the sport, and was targeting a fall return.

But the tough-as-nails fighter has stepped up to the plate, and his bout with Mein should turn out to be an explosive affair. Losing Alves is a hit to the card, but the event did add Demian Maia vs. Mike Pyle and Thales Leites vs. Francis Carmont earlier today.

Stay tuned to LowKick MMA for all of your UFC Fight Night 49 news as it develops.