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With Raphael Assuncao out, Kyler Phillips now targeted to face Raulian Paiva at UFC event on July 31

Kyler Phillips will no longer face Raphael Assuncao next month.

Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that due to an injury to Assuncao, a bantamweight bout between Phillips and Raulian Paiva is now in the works for the UFC’s event on July 31. Combate was first to report Assuncao’s scratch and the new targeted booking.

Phillips, ranked No. 14 in the 135-pound division, has won four straight, including all three of his octagon appearances. “The Matrix” climbed into the rankings after a unanimous decision win over Song Yadong at UFC 259 in March.