Alonzo Menifield steps in to fight Ovince Saint Preux in new UFC on ESPN 15 co-main

With Yoel Romero’s withdrawal from UFC on ESPN 15, his fight with Uriah Hall will be rescheduled, resulting in a change of plans for next week’s event in Las Vegas.

The promotion announced Thursday that Ovince Saint Preux will fight in the co-main event against Alonzo Menifield, who is stepping in on short notice for undefeated Shamil Gamzatov. A reason for Gamzatov’s withdrawal was not disclosed.

Menifield (9-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) will look to rebound from his first career loss, a unanimous decision against Devin Clark in June at UFC 250. Prior to that, Menifield, 32, had won nine consecutive fights, all finishes.

Saint Preux, 37, will return to light heavyweight after a failed attempt at heavyweight in May, when he lost to Ben Rothwell by split decision. Saint Preux (24-14 MMA, 12-9 UFC) has lost three of his last four fights dating back to October 2018.

Also added to UFC on ESPN 15 is a fight between promotional newcomers. Carlton Minus (10-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) steps in for Phil Rowe to take on Matthew Semelsberger (6-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC).

With the changes, the current UFC on ESPN 15 lineup includes:

• Pedro Munhoz vs. Frankie Edgar
• Alonzo Menifield vs. Ovince Saint Preux
• Angela Hill vs. Michelle Waterson
• Mariya Agapova vs. Shana Dobson
• Mizuki Inoue vs. Amanda Lemos
• Daniel Rodriguez vs. Takashi Sato
• Marcin Prachnio vs. Mike Rodriguez
• Austin Hubbard vs. Joe Solecki
• Mark Striegl vs. Timur Valiev
• Impa Kasanganay vs. Maki Pitolo
• Carlton Minus vs. Matthew Semelsberger