Cezar ‘Mutante’ Replaces Askham, Faces Anthony Smith at ‘TUF 23’ Finale

Anthony Smith has a new opponent at "The Ultimate Fighter 23” finale.

Due to visa issues, Scott Askham was forced to withdraw from the proposed middleweight clash. As a result, Cezar Ferreira will take his place and face Smith on the July 8 card. Promotion officials announced the change on Thursday.

The “TUF 23” finale takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and is headlined by a strawweight title bout between Joanna Jedrzejczyk. The evening’s main card with air on Fox Sports 1.

Cezar “Mutante” halted a two-fight skid at UFC on Fox 19, where he outpointed Oluwale Bamgbose on April 16. The 31-year-old Brazilian is 5-3 in his UFC career and 9-5 overall, with five triumphs coming inside the distance.

Smith has won eight straight fights while competing for promotions such as Bellator MMA, Resurrection Fighting Alliance, Cage Fury Fighting Championships and Victory Fighting Championship. Most recently, he took a unanimous decision over Leonardo Guimares at UFC Fight Night in Pittsburgh on Feb. 21.