Louie Sutherland Steps In to Face Tai Tuivasa at UFC Perth on May 2

Overview

• UFC Australia & New Zealand announced Friday that Louie Sutherland will replace Sean Sharaf and fight Tai Tuivasa on May 2 at RAC Arena in Perth.
• Sharaf withdrew Wednesday after saying on social media that he suffered a fractured nose in training.
• Tuivasa enters on a six-fight losing streak and most recently dropped a unanimous decision to Tallison Teixeira at UFC 325, bringing his UFC mark to 8–9 and his overall record to 14–9.
• Sutherland is 0–2 in the UFC with first-round losses to Valter Walker and Brando Pericic, and he holds a 10–5 professional record after a run as a Levels Fight League champion.
• The late change arrives roughly nine days before the event and preserves the heavyweight slot, a swap made easier at this weight class because fighters do not cut as much weight.