Ricardo Lamas is becoming a hot commodity since joining the UFC after the WEC was absorbed by the former. With Erik Koch out of his bout with Dustin Poirer, a replacement was sought and one found with Lamas.

Lamas has made a big impact on the featherweight division since dropping down. Coincidentally he didn’t drop down from lightweight until his UFC debut back in June against Matt Grice. He finished Grice in the first round by TKO that was set up with a brutal head kick.

Lamas was then given Cub Swanson at UFC on Fox, a fight many thought was going to be an easy fight for Swanson. Even with the tragic loss Lamas suffered earlier in the week, he still came out and gave it his all. While the first round of the Swanson fight didn’t go his way, it woke him up for the second round where he started to take control. Lamas baited Swanson to attempt a guillotine submission like Swanson had been going for all night, only this time Lamas used it to secure an arm triangle choke for the victory.

Poirer is another tough opponent who is currently riding a four-fight win streak. After losing his WEC debut to Danny Castillo, Poirer finished Zach Micklewright in just under a minute at WEC 52. He continued his winning ways with decision victories over Josh Grispi and Jason Young.

Poirer, like Lamas, fought at UFC on Fox 1 taking on Pablo Garza in the fight after Lamas’s. Poirer was nearly finished in the first round with a knee bar, but was able to escape and landed massive damage to Garza to end the round. In the second round Garza slipped and looked for a leg, but Poirer sprawled and waited his time until he could lock in a D’arce choke for the victory.

While both fighters had submission at the UFC on Fox card, it was Lamas who came away with the Submission of the Night award.

The two will do battle at UFC 143, but is unknown if it will be part of the pay per view broadcast or the prelims airing on FX.

Dustin Poirer Ricardo Lamas UFC 143