Gleison Tibau out, Mairbek Taisumov gets new UFC Fight Night 38 opponent

Gleison Tibau (28-10 MMA, 13-8 UFC) has pulled out of UFC Fight Night 38, and Mairbek Taisumov (21-4 MMA, 1-0 UFC) has a new opponent for next month’s event.

UFC officials today announced lightweight Michel Prazeres (17-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) has stepped in as a replacement following Tibau’s injury.

UFC Fight Night 38 takes place March 23 at Ginasio Nelio Dias in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The bulk of the card airs on FOX Sports 1 following prelims on UFC Fight Pass.

Taisumov, a 25-year-old Austrian, recently made his UFC debut after a lengthy and successful stint with M-1. At UFC Fight Night 34 in January, he scored a decision victory over Tae Hyun Bang. It marked his fourth straight win and his ninth victory in his past 10 fights. In 21 career wins, he owns 20 stoppages.

Originally set to fight a 21-fight UFC vet, Taisumov now meets Prazeres, a 30-year-old Brazilian who made his UFC debut this past May and suffered a decision loss to Paulo Thiago. It marked the first loss of his 14-year career. However, he rebounded in September and earned a split-decision victory over Jesse Ronson at UFC 165.

The latest UFC Fight Night 38 lineup now includes:

• Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio Rua
• C.B. Dollaway vs. Cezar Ferreira
• Norman Parke vs. Leonardo Santos
• Fabio Maldonado vs. Gian Villante
• Rony Jason vs. Steven Siler
• Michel Prazeres vs. Mairbek Taisumov
• Ronny Markes vs. Thiago “Marreta” Santos
• Jussier Formiga vs. Scott Jorgensen
• Thiago Perpetuo vs. Kenny Robertson
• Diego Brandao vs. Will Chope
• Noad Lahat vs. Godofredo Pepey

For the latest on UFC Fight Night 38, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Mairbek Taisumov)