Ricky Simon remains on the card for UFC Atlanta.
Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that Simon now faces short notice opponent Cameron Smotherman on Saturday’s Fight Night card in the promotion’s return to Atlanta. Eurosport was first to report the booking.
Smotherman replaces Charles Jourdain who was forced to withdraw due to an eye injury. The 27-year-old steps in for his second fight in as many months, and his third octagon appearance. In his UFC debut, Smotherman defeated Jake Hadley via unanimous decision before dropping his second bout to Serhiy Sidey at UFC Des Moines in May.
Simon recently snapped a three-fight skid with an upset submission win over Javid Basharat at UFC Seattle in February. The 32-year-old makes the walk to the octagon for the 15th time, and searches for his 10th promotional victory.
UFC Atlanta is headlined by a pivotal welterweight clash between former champion Kamaru Usman as he returns to action against the surging Joaquin Buckley.
