Stevie Ray steps in to replace James Krause at #UFCBelfast

With news breaking today that James Krause was forced to withdraw from his #UFCBelfast bout against Brit Ross Pearson, it seemed that perhaps Pearson would be left without an opponent for the card. But sources close to Pearson have confirmed to #WHOATV that Scotland's Stevie Ray has been called up to take Krause's place on the card. Krause made the announcement earlier today via his Instagram account which you can see below;

It's with great disappointment and frustration that I make this post announcing that I'm forced to withdraw from my #UFCBelfast bout with Ross Pearson... again. Monday morning during wrestling practice I tore my hamstring for what the doctor says is a "high grade", substantial tear in 3 different spots to my hamstring. This is 2 camps in a row, and against Ross that I've had to withdraw from so my greatest apologies to him. This is not my norm and I pride myself on fighting any opposition that's been offered to me. That being said during these training camps I've made a lot of progress and am very excited to show my improvements whoever and whenever that time comes. Once again, my deepest apologies to @rosstherealdeal and the @ufc. I'll be back soon enough.

A photo posted by James Krause (@thejameskrause) on Oct 26, 2016 at 7:12am PDT

Ray last fought in Brazil in September and lost a unanimous decision to Alan Patrick and is keen to get back to winning ways at #UFCBelfast. Pearson is coming off of back to back losses for the first time in his UFC career.