Escudero Replaces Injured Grant, Meets Volkmann at UFC 141

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Efrain Escudero will likely make his UFC return on Dec. 30, replacing an injured T.J. Grant against Jacob Volkmann at UFC 141.

UFC officials announced Tuesday that verbal agreements are in place for the matchup. Headlined by a blockbuster heavyweight affair between former champions Brock Lesnar and Alistair Overeem, UFC 141 will emanate from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

In addition to the main event, the evening's pay-per-view broadcast will also showcase a lightweight contest between Donald Cerrone and Nate Diaz, as well as a welterweight face-off pitting Johny Hendricks against Jon Fitch.

Escudero, 25, made his official UFC debut at “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 8 finale, extending his then-perfect career record by outpointing Phillipe Nover to win the show's lightweight tournament. After finishing Cole Miller in his next Octagon appearance, Escudero would suffer two losses in three fights and receive his UFC walking papers.

Since departing the promotion last year, Escudero has won five of his last six, most recently submitting Cesar Avila at Bellator 55 in October.

Volkmann, 31, has won four straight fights since cutting to lightweight. The six-time UFC veteran began his 155-pound stint with a split decision win over Ronys Torres and closed out 2010 by earning a unanimous nod over Paul Kelly.

The Minnesotan maintained his momentum in 2011, earning decision wins over Antonio McKee and Danny Castillo in January and August, respectively. Though Volkmann owns six of his 13 career wins by submission, “Christmas” has yes to finish a fight in the Octagon.