Alexander Hernandez replaces Islam Makhachev, meets Francisco Trinaldo at UFC 233

Alexander Hernandez defeated Olivier Aubin-Mercier in his last UFC fight.

Esther Lin, MMA Fighting

Five days later, Francisco Trinaldo already has a new foe for UFC 233.

The Brazilian lightweight veteran, who was booked against Islam Makhachev in Anaheim, Calif., on Jan. 26, will face Alexander Hernandez instead, multiple sources told MMA Fighting following a report by Combate.

The new match-up is verbally agreed by both sides, but contracts have yet to be signed. It’s still unclear why Makhachev pulled out of the contest.

Hernandez (10-1) is looking to keep the momentum going after UFC wins over Beneil Dariush andOlivier Aubin-Mercier. “The Great” stopped five opponents in his eight-fight winning streak.

Trinado (23-6) last fought in September, retiring Evan Dunham with a vicious knee to the liver at UFC Sao Paulo. The 40-year-old “Massaranduba” has won nine of his last 11, including victories over Paul Felder, Yancy Medeiros and Ross Pearson.

UFC 233 airs live on pay-per-view and features a flyweight title bout between Henry Cejudo and 135-pound champion T.J. Dillashaw in the main event.