Injuries have sideline Sarah Kaufman’s (16-2) original opponent Shayna Baszler and replacement Amanda Nunes. Answering the call on eight days notice, stepping up a rematch of their razor close decision bout at Invicta FC 5 will be Leslie “The Peacemaker” Smith (6-4-1).
Kaufman a former Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight champion is coming off of a split decision loss to Jessica Eye that has been changed to no contest after Eye failed the post fight drug screen. A bout prior is when Kaufman scored a split decision win over Smith rebounding from a submisison loss to Rona Rousey; ending a 3 fight win streak.
Smith is 3-2 in her last 5 fights with wins over Katlin Young (TKO), Raquel Pennington (UD), and Jennifer Maia (UD). Most recently Smith failed in an effort to win the Invict Flyweight title , losing by unanimous decision to Barb Honchak.
The UFC has also announced that Evan Dunham (14-5)has been forced to with draw from a scheduled Lightweight match-up with Mark Bocek (11-5). The promotion is currently seeking a replacement.
The TUF Nations Finale takes place on April 16 at the Pepsi Coliseum, in Quebec Canada; and is headlined by Michael “The Count” Bisping vs. Tim Kennedy.
