Slugger Joey Beltran Returns To UFC Against James Te Huna

Joey Beltran

Beltran drops to 205 lbs., returns to UFC

Joey Beltran returns to the Ultimate Fighting Championship to face James Te Huna at “UFC on FUEL TV 4 on July 11, marking the first time the highly entertaining striker will fight as a light heavyweight.

The promotion announced the news earlier this week.

Beltran struggled greatly in the UFC heavyweight division, finding it difficult to compete with larger opponents. He was released after a knockout loss to Lavar Johnson at “UFC on FOX: Davis vs. Evans.”

The loss was his second in a row and fourth in five contests. He earned a unanimous decision victory outside of the promotion to earn a ticket back.

Te Huna was originally set to face Brandon Vera on the card, but an injury to Thiago Silva left Mauricio “Shogun” Rua without an opponent. Vera was promoted to main event status and meets Rua in the evening’s headliner.

In his last two fights, Te Huna has impressed with knockout stoppages, recovering from a disappointing submission loss to Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 127. He is now 3-1 in the UFC, having yet to find the judges’ scorecards necessary, winning by stoppage in the three victories.

“UFC on FUEL TV 4” is set for July 11 in San Jose, California at the HP Pavilion. As previously mentioned, a light heavyweight headliner between Vera and Rua will be featured on the main card.

Be sure to check out the complete UFC on FUEL TV 4 Fight Card