A UFC 309 preliminary card fight has undergone a late switch in opponents.
David Onama was to have faced Lucas Almeida at the event on November 16, 2024. However, with Almeida off of the card, promotional newcomer Roberto Romero is stepping in to replace him in the lightweight fight.
News of the switch was first reported by Iridium Sports Agency, who represent Romero.
Romero (8-3-1) has spent the bulk of his career competing for Combate Global. He has just a single loss since 2019, and is coming off a victory over Japanese veteran Takahiro Ashida, who has competed for the likes of DEEP, RIZIN, BRAVE CF, and Bellator (in Kickboxing).
Onama (12-2) is coming off back-to-back victories inside the octagon, but did miss weight for his last bout, against Jonathan “JSP” Pearce.
UFC 309 is set for Madison Square Garden in New York City this Saturday, November 16, 2024. Heavyweight champ Jon Jones returns after more than 600 days out of action to take on heavyweight legend Stipe Miocic in the main event – a fight that was originally to have headlined UFC 295.
The following bouts have been confirmed for UFC 309:
- Jon Jones (c) vs. Stipe Miocic – for the UFC heavyweight championship
- Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler
- Viviane Araújo vs. Karine Silva
- Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig
- Mauricio Ruffy vs. James Llontop
- Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee
- Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders
- Jim Miller vs. Damon Jackson
- David Onama vs. Roberto Romero
- Marcin Tybura vs. Jhonata Diniz
- Mickey Gall vs. Ramiz Brahimaj
- Bassil Hafez vs. Oban Elliot
- Veronica Hardy vs. Eduarda Moura
