Rani Yahya-Mizuto Hirota, Guimaraes-Lim Official for UFC on Fuel 8

The UFC made global expansion a priority over the past 18 months and fans shouldn’t expect a different approach in 2013. In that vein, the organization will look to build on the groundwork they laid in expanding into Asia with a return trip to Japan for UFC on FUEL 8, and they have announced two new bouts for the card. On one side of things, Brazilian grappler Rani Yahya will mix it up with Japanese standout Mizuto Hirota. The bout will mark Hirota’s UFC debut.

Also added to the card is a welterweight bout between Marcelo Guimaraes and Hyun Gyu Lim. Guimaraes is looking to add to his first UFC win while Lim is looking to make a strong showing in his first trip to the Octagon.

MMAJunkie announced:

Japanese fighter and one time Strikeforce competitor Mizuto Hirota is dropping from lightweight for a bout with featherweight Rani Yahya . Additionally, welterweight Marcelo Guimaraes takes on promotional newcomer Hyun Gyu Lim.

Hirota vs. Yahya likely will be part of the main card, and Guimares vs. Lim is expected to be part of the prelims.