Sam Alvey out of UFC Sao Paulo co-main event fight with ‘Shogun’ Rua

Mauricio Rua needs a new opponent for UFC’s upcoming card in Sao Paulo, Brazil, sources confirmed to MMA Fighting following a report from Combate.

Rua was booked to meet Sam Alvey in a Fight Night event scheduled for Nov. 16 at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo. A month later, though, the Brazilian was informed that Alvey will no longer face him due to undisclosed reasons.

“Shogun” is still hoping to get a new opponent to compete next month, sources said.

A former UFC and PRIDE champion, Rua (26-11) is coming off a third-round knockout victory over Tyson Pedro. The Brazilian is 4-1 in his last five bouts with his other wins coming against Gian Villante, Corey Anderson and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.

Alvey (33-13, 1 no-contest) dropped three in a row, losing a decision to Klidson Abreu after stoppage defeats to “Minotouro” Nogueira and Jimmy Crute.

Headlined by Poland’s Jan Blachowicz and former middleweight contender “Jacare” Souza, UFC Sao Paulo airs live on ESPN+.

Jan Blachowicz vs. Ronaldo Souza
Mauricio Rua vs. TBD
Charles Oliveira vs. Jared Gordon
Antonio Arroyo vs. Andre Muniz
Markus Perez vs. Wellington Turman
Sergio Moraes vs. James Krause
Ricardo Ramos vs. Luiz Eduardo Garagorri
Francisco Trinaldo vs. Bobby Green
Warlley Alves vs. Randy Brown
Douglas Silva de Andrade vs. Renan Barao
Ariane Lipski vs. Priscila Cachoeira
Duda Santana vs. Tracy Cortez