The UFC has made a significant change to its UFC 191 pay-per-view event on Sept. 5 in Las Vegas.
Former light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Johnson (19-5) will now fight British slugger Jimi Manuwa (15-1) on the main card. Johnson was originally scheduled to face Jan Blachowicz (18-4), who is expected to remain on the card
Manuwa, 35, only recently received medical clearance to accept the fight, according to a UFC official. He defeated Blachowicz in a three-round decision in April, after which he revealed a pre-existing knee injury. Manuwa has been limited to just two appearances in 2014 and 2015 because of injuries.
The new matchup is an improvement for Johnson, who is still highly ranked despite coming up short in a bid for the vacant UFC title against Daniel Cormier in May. Prior to the loss, Johnson, who trains out of the Blackzilians in Boca Raton, Florida, had won nine consecutive bouts.
A flyweight title fight between Demetrious Johnson (22-2-1) and John Dodson (17-6) is scheduled to headline UFC 191, which will take place at MGM Grand Garden Arena.