Jesse Ronson returns to the UFC, replaces John Makdessi vs. Diego Ferreira at UFC 231

Jesse Ronson will make his return to the UFC in his native country of Canada.

Esther Lin, MMA Fighting

Diego Ferreira has a new opponent for next week’s UFC 231 in Toronto.

The Brazilian was booked to face John Makdessi on Dec. 8 in Toronto, Canada, but “The Bull” has been forced out of the card. Stepping up on short notice, Jesse Ronson makes his return to the Octagon for the first time since 2014.

Ken Wong first reported the news.

Ronson (20-8) re-signed with the UFC after winning five in a row under the TKO banner in his native Canada, claiming the welterweight belt in his most recent appearance. “The Body Snatcher” will return to lightweight for his UFC 231 fight.

Ferreira (13-2) looks to score his third straight victory in the UFC after defeating Canadian lightweight Olivier Aubin-Mercier in 2016 and knocking out Jared Gordon earlier this year.

UFC 231 takes place at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada, and features Max Holloway vs. Brian Ortega for the featherweight gold and Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Valentina Shevchenko for the vacant flyweight championship.