Hard-punching featherweight Leonard Garcia has fallen to injury and will be unable to compete against Alex Caceres at UFC Live 5. Competing in Garcia's stead will be undefeated Octagon newcomer Jim Hettes (pictured), the promotion announced Tuesday.
Hettes has yet to taste defeat as a pro. The featherweight competed four times in 2009 and maintained his active schedule in the following year, competing thrice in 2010. Hettes has thus far only fought once this year, earning a submission victory over Jacob Kirwan in his most recent performance on July 16. Hettes has never gone the distance and has forced each of his eight career victims to submit inside of two rounds.
Caceres, 23, made his mark by competing on the 12th season of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Known to fans of the reality series as “Bruce Leroy,” Caceres hit a rough patch after beginning his career a perfect 4-0. The lanky featherweight has lost three of his last four dating back to 2009, most recently falling in his Octagon debut against Mackens Semerzier at Fight Night 24 in March.
Like Hettes, Caceres has never seen the judges' scorecards; he holds all four of his career wins by knockout or submission.