Contender Series winner gets surprise UFC shot after UFC 330 shakeup

A late injury forced a shuffle on the UFC 330 lineup, but the promotion quickly moved to fill the void. Eduardo Henrique will make his long-awaited UFC debut as a replacement opponent for Charles Johnson after Jose Ochoa withdrew due to injury.

Henrique (15–2), a former Legacy Fighting Alliance flyweight champion, last competed in September 2025 on Dana White's Contender Series, where he earned a decision victory over An Tuan Ho—a performance that did not result in an immediate UFC contract offer. The fighter also appeared on Season 33 of "The Ultimate Fighter" before getting his shot at UFC 330.

Johnson (19–9) was left without an opponent days before the August 15 event at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. The promotion's response ensured the bout would proceed, with Henrique stepping in after nearly nine months away from competition. Johnson has become one of 2026's busiest fighters, logging his fourth UFC appearance of the year and averaging a bout every 98 days. He enters the matchup coming off a June loss to Asu Almabayev.

UFC 330 remains a substantial 12-fight card headlined by two title bouts, including Islam Makhachev's welterweight championship defense against Ian Garry.