‘JZ’ CAVALCANTE INJURED, PULLED FROM WSOF 8 TITLE FIGHT AGAINST JUSTIN GAETHJE

Just one day after World Series of Fighting officials announced that Justin Gaethje and Gesias Cavalcante would do battle over the inaugural WSOF lightweight title, the pairing has been scrapped.

An official from the promotion Thursday confirmed to Sherdog.com that Cavalcante has suffered an injury and will not compete against Gaethje in the WSOF 8 main event. Gaethje is still expected to fight at the show, which takes place Jan. 18 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla., but a replacement opponent has not yet been named. MMAJunkie.com first reported Cavalcante’s withdrawal.

WSOF 8 will also feature a co-main event pitting Anthony Johnson against Mike Kyle and airs live on NBC Sports Network. Prior to the main card telecast, the preliminary draw will stream live and free on Sherdog.com.

Cavalcante and Gaethje previously met in March at WSOF 2, with the unbeaten Gaethje scoring a technical knockout victory after opening a deep cut on Cavalcante’s hairline. “JZ” rebounded from the setback in his most recent outing, finishing UFC vet Tyson Griffin in August at WSOF 4.