UFC
UFC NEWS: Alexandre Ferreira out of UFC on Versus 3, replaced by Dave Branch against Rousimar Palhares
Jan 19, 2011 - 1:11:49 PM UFC NEWS: Alexandre Ferreira out of UFC on Versus 3, replaced by Dave Branch against Rousimar Palhares

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Alexandre "Cacareco" Ferreira has pulled out of his UFC on Versus 3 fight with Rousimar Palhares, according to a report from Fighter's Only.

Per the report, Ferreira pulled out due to the flood and landslides that hit Rio de Janeiro last week. With friends and family majorly affected by the flood, Ferreira told the UFC he was in "no condition to train or fight.

In addition, Fighter's Only reports that he has been released from his Chute Boxe team in Brazil due to a "lack of commitment" to the team, among other issues.

He is being replaced in the fight on March 3 by Dave Branch, according to a separate report from Heavy.com.

Branch has picked up two victories since losing to Gerald Harris at UFC 116 in July. His most recent win came at The Ultimate Fighter 12 Finale in December, a unanimous decision victory over Rich Attonito.

Palhares looks to rebound from a TKO loss against Nate Marquardt in September. The first round loss snapped a three fight win streak for Palhares.

UFC on Versus 3 takes place from the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky., headlined by a bout between Diego Sanchez and Martin Kampmann.

Penick's Analysis: Ferreira seemingly has a lot of things he's dealing with right now from a mental standpoint that would make it hard for anyone to concentrate on getting ready for a fight. Branch makes for a solid replacement fight, although Palhares is likely going to be the heavy favorite heading into the fight. But it should still be a competitive fight for each, and it keeps Palhares with a fight on this card when he's looking to bounce back from a loss.