Photo: Left: Jeremy Stephens - Right: "Danny Boy" Downes Bye-bye, Mr. Brookins; hello, "Danny Boy."
The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 12 winner Jonathan Brookins has suffered an injury and been forced to pull out of his scheduled bout against Jeremy Stephens at the TUF 13 Finale on June 4 in Las Vegas.
Stepping in to take his place is lightweight prospect Danny Downes, according to UFC.com.
Stephens (19-6) retired Marcus Davis from the Octagon when he airmailed the New England native back to "Vacationland" via third round knockout at UFC 125 earlier this year.
The highlight-reel stoppage bumped him back into the win column after a close split decision loss to Melvin Guillard at UFC 119 to close out his 2010 fight campaign.
The loss of Brookins deals a small blow to his rise up the deep divisional ladder but Downes will have to do.
Danny Downes, a product of the famed Roufusport gym up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, recently made headlines for taking a fight outside the Octagon, despite being under contract to the UFC.
It was a major risk but one the stand-up specialist felt was well worth taking.
It paid off when he submitted Tory Bogguess via triangle in the very first round on May 6. His reward is a potential main card bout against longtime veteran Jeremy Stephens.
Time to make some noise.
The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale is currently scheduled to go down at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will feature Anthony Pettis putting his lightweight number one contender spot on the line when he throws hands against energetic caveman Clay Guida.
Stay tuned to MMAMania.com for future updates to this still-developing fight card.
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