In the Cage – WSOF Signs Rama, WSOF 11 Headliner, UFN 44 Changes

Each day, The MMA Corner will provide a recap of results, event announcements, fight match-ups, and injuries/cancellations from throughout the world of MMA.

Smealinho Rama, the No. 1 heavyweight prospect in Canada’s MMA scene, has officially signed with World Series of Fighting. Rama signs on to the WSOF heavyweight roster after recent triumphs against Steve Mocco and Tim Hague. WSOF officials could not confirm an opponent or a date for Rama’s debut.

Myles Jury, who was scheduled to face Abel Trujillo in the UFC’s upcoming trip to San Antonio, Texas later this month, has been forced from the bout, thus prompting some changes to the UFC Fight Night 44 card. Trujillo now faces Francisco Trevino, who made a successful UFC debut in Dallas this past March by defeating Renee Forte. Meanwhile, Trevino’s original foe, Joe Ellenberger, now faces RFA veteran and fellow UFC newcomer Joe Ellenberger.

Middleweights Derek Brunson and Lorenz Larkin battle to return to the win column at UFC 176. Brunson recently suffered a loss to Yoel Romero this past January, while Larkin succumbed to a knockout loss against Costas Philippou. Larkin finds himself in dire need of a win, while Brunson needs to return to his winning ways after getting off to a solid start in the UFC.

Additionally, James Vick and newcomer Walmir Lazaro will battle in lightweight action. Both men are coming off of first-round finishes, with Vick submitting Ramsey Nijem in his most recent outing, and Lazaro defeating Ederson Moreira at Shooto Brazil 47. The debuting Lazaro has not lost a pro bout since May 2010

WSOF lightweight champion Justin Gaethje and highly-touted Nick Newell will do battle at World Series of Fighting 11 on July 5 at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Fla.. The two 11-0 lightweights come off of recent finishes in their last WSOF appearances, as the challenger Newell submitted Sabah Fadai at WSOF 7, while Gaethje makes the first defense of his belt after a first-round TKO over Richard Patishnock at WSOF 8.