PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 13: Bryan Barberena celebrates after defeating Joe Ellenberger in their lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at the U.S. Airways Center on December 13, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Sage Northcutt has a new opponent next weekend in New Jersey as Bryan Barberena has stepped up to replace Andrew Holbrook following an injury by the lightweight competitor.
UFC officials announced the switch on Friday and due to the short-notice change, the fight will now be contested at welterweight instead of lightweight.
Northcutt is one of the most talked about prospects on the UFC roster after he was discovered by UFC president Dana White on his reality series "Looking for a Fight." So far, Northcutt has looked impressive, with two wins in his first two fights, but he'll definitely have a tough test ahead of him next weekend.
Barberena is a very sizable lightweight training out of the MMA Lab in Arizona, where he works alongside former UFC champion Benson Henderson under the tutelage of coach John Crouch.
Barberena is 1-1 thus far in his UFC career with a win over Joe Ellenberger before suffering a loss to "Ultimate Fighter" champion Chad Laprise in his last bout.
Northcutt vs. Barberena is expected to remain on the same slot on the main card of the FOX UFC Fight Night card from New Jersey that kicks off next Saturday night at 8 pm E.T.
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