With our namesake BJ Penn officially out of the fight with Ricardo Lamas, fellow UFC featherweight Bryan Caraway has offered to take his place.
Caraway took to Twitter immediately after the news was announced and offered his services in a polite yet enthusiastic call-out:
100% #Respect I WANT THIS FIGHT! #UFC #UFCManila @RicardoLamasMMA is one of the best and I am ready to step up!
— Bryan Caraway (@BryanCaraway) October 5, 2016
advertisement – continue reading below
Caraway (21-7) was last seen beating Aljamain Sterling by unanimous decision in May, and before that defeating former title-contender Eddie Wineland last year.
Lamas will look to bounce back after a decision loss to surging featherweight contender Max Holloway at UFC 199.
The Penn vs. Lamas bout was scheduled to headline the UFC’s first ever event held in the Philippines. Derrick Lewis is set to take on Marcin Tybura in the co-main event. Meanwhile, controversial middleweight Alex Nicholson will take on Sam Alvey on the undercard.
Lamas is currently ranked fourth in the 145 pound weight class while Caraway is looking to break into the featherweight division’s top ten.
The UFC’s featherweight division has been in a state of flux with champion Conor McGregor moonlighting at 155 and 170 pounds and interim champ Jose Aldo pushing to terminate his UFC contract and retire due to broken promises over a rematch with McGregor.
As the top of the division sorts itself out, Caraway has been angling for a big fight that could put him into title contention.
No word yet on whether or not who UFC plans to replace as Lamas’ opponent.
How do you feel about a Caraway vs. Lamas showdown? Who would you see winning that fight? Sound off in the comments section, PENN Nation!