UFC 282: Alex Morono Replaces Robbie Lawler, Antonio Trocolli Out

UFC 282 PPV card is undergoing more changes with two fights affected in the fight week.

Robbie Lawler has been injured and has pulled out of his bout against Santiago Ponzinibbio. Lawler vs Ponzinibbio welterweight bout was scheduled for the main card of UFC 282. Lawler’s injury remains unknown.

UFC has now brought in Alex Morono to replace Lawler to face Ponzinibbio. Due to being a short-term arrangement, the fight will take place at 180 lbs catchweight.

Alex Morono will step in for the injured Robbie Lawler and fight Santiago Ponzinibbio on just 5 days' notice.#UFC282 | Full story: https://t.co/SLK7y6st3v pic.twitter.com/wFRAoFaNQr

— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) December 6, 2022

Morono is on a 4-fights winning streak since the start of 2021. He has wins over Donald Cerrone, David Zawada, Mickey Gall and recently against Matthew Semelsberger at UFC 277. On the other hand, Ponzinibbio has just one since his return to octogan in 2021 in 4 bouts.

Antonio Trocolli has been the other fighter to pull out of UFC 282 due to visa issues. He was scheduled to face Ovince Saint Preux on the prelims.

Antonio Trocoli is out of a UFC 282 fight with Ovince Saint Preux on Saturday due to via issues, sources told myself and @DamonMartin.

Story coming to @MMAFighting.

— Guilherme Cruz (@guicruzzz) December 6, 2022

This is the third time that Saint Preux’s opponent has pulled out of UFC 282. He was first scheduled to face Alexander Gustafsson initially. Gustafsson then pulled out due to unknown reasons and was replaced by Philipe Lins. Lins also pulled out and made way for Trocolli to face Saint Preux.

It remains to be seen if UFC bring any other replacement to face Saint Preux. Keep tuned in for any updates.