The UFC’s August 1 card, their first event back from Fight Island, has undergone a couple of late shake-ups.
UFC Vegas 5 had its full line-up announced Thursday in a press release from promotion officials. Among the changes to what had previously been reported, Kevin Holland steps up against Trevin Giles. Holland replaces Jun Yong Park, who is reportedly out due to VISA issues.
Holland (17-5) made a name for himself by stepping up short notice right out of the gate when he took on Thiago Santos at UFC 227. The Contender Series alum has gone 4-2 in the UFC overall.
Giles (12-2), who works as a police officer, spoke to Cageside Press not long before the opponent switch.
In a second change-up, it’s Gerald Meerschaert moving up to light heavyweight to face Ed Herman. Herman (25-14, 1NC) had been scheduled to face Da Un Jung, a fight originally booked for May. However, as with countryman Park, South Korea’s Jung appears to have encountered some travel issues.
Meerschaert (31-13) is coming off a loss to Ian Heinisch in his last outing. While making the step up in weight for this fight, it’s worth noting that Herman himself previously fought at middleweight.
The UFC’s August 1 card (UFC Fight Night 173) takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. With Irene Aldana out of the event, pushing back her fight with Holly Holm, it’s Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Derek Brunson as the headliner.
