Pat Sabatini will step in as a replacement against Rafael Alves following Mike Trizano’s withdrawal, multiple people with knowledge of the change told MMA Fighting.
Alves first announced the switch on social media.
Sabatini (13-3) regained the Cage Fury FC featherweight gold in his most recent fight, defeating Jesse Stirn via second-round armbar in December, re-capturing the title he’s held since 2017 but lost in early 2020 due to an arm injury. Sabatini is on a two-fight winning streak.
Alves (19-9) is a former Titan FC lightweight champion who signed with the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2020, tapping Alejandro Flores with a guillotine choke in August. Alves returns to the 145-pound class six years after his previous featherweight bout at Jungle Fight 75.
UFC Vegas 19 will take place Feb. 20 at the UFC APEX and feature Curtis Blaydes vs. Derrick Lewis in a five-round main event.
