Newcomer Max Holloway Replaces Lamas, Meets Dustin Poirier at UFC 143

Holloway in for Ricardo Lamas, who filled in for Erik Koch

A featherweight bout between UFC newcomer Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier will take place at UFC 143.

The UFC made the bout official Thursday night.

Holloway will replace Ricardo Lamas, who was actually a replacement for the fast-rising Erik Koch. Both were forced out of the bout due to injury. The rookie will also look to steal the thunder of Poirier, who stormed on the scene with his upset victory over Josh Grispi at  UFC 125. Since that win, the Louisiana native has earned two more, including his submission victory over Pablo Garza at UFC on Fox: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos. A win this February would propel Poirier deeper into the title picture.

The recent success of Poirier makes earning a win in this bout a tall order for Holloway, who has yet to perform on the any semi-large stage, let alone the biggest stage in all the sport. He is currently 4-0 as a professional, taking home three decision and one knockout victories.

UFC 143 is set for Feb. 4 in Las Vegas, and features an interim welterweight title bout between contenders Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit, who each, at one time or another, was expected to face the injured champion Georges St. Pierre. Sin City’s Mandalay Bay Events Center will play host to the highly-anticipated tilt.