Gilbert Burns to undergo elbow surgery, Paul Felder now meets Alex Ricci at UFC: Halifax

Paul Felder has a new date and opponent for his return to the Octagon.

Originally slated to meet Gilbert Burns at UFC 208 on Feb. 11, “The Irish Dragon” now faces Alex Ricci a week later, on Feb. 19, at the UFC Fight Night 105 card in Halifax, Canada.

Burns told MMA Fighting he was forced out of UFC 208 after fracturing his elbow in training. "Durinho" will undergo surgery Friday, and expects to be cleared to train by Feb. 15.

Felder (12-3) looks to rebound from a third-round TKO loss to Francisco Trinaldo in Brazil, when he suffered a massive cut above his eye. Prior to the defeat, Felder scored back-to-back wins over Josh Burkman and Daron Cruickshank.

Ricci (10-4) made his Octagon debut last August, losing to fellow Canadian lightweight Jeremy Kennedy via decision at UFC on FOX 21. Ricci scored five knockout in his 10 professional victories before signing with the UFC.

UFC’s return to Halifax will be headlined by a heavyweight clash between Travis Browne and Derrick Lewis, which was also moved from UFC 208.