Jack Hermansson Replaces Yoel Romero, Faces ‘Jacare’ Souza in UFC on ESPN 3 Headliner

Jack Hermansson will look to continue his momentum built in recent bouts, as he will step in on short notice to face Ronald Souza in the UFC on ESPN 3 main event.

Hermansson replaces Yoel Romero, who withdrew from the middleweight contest due to illness. Multiple outlets have confirmed the new booking following an initial report from ESPN. Souza will reportedly receive a 185-pound title shot if he wins. UFC on ESPN 3 takes place at the BB&T Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on April 27 and also includes the sophomore Octagon appearance for controversial former NFL star Greg Hardy.

Hermansson last fought at UFC on ESPN 2, where he submitted former World Series of Fighting two-division titlist David Branch with a guillotine choke in just 49 seconds. “The Joker” has won five of his last six UFC bouts, finishing all of his wins inside the distance – including four in the opening round.

A former Strikeforce champion, Souza is coming off a third-round knockout of Chris Weidman this past November. The 39-year-old “Jacare” is 9-3 during his promotional tenure, with other notable wins coming against Gegard Mousasi, Vitor Belfort, Derek Brunson and Yushin Okami.