With Luke Sanders out, Chris Gutierrez welcomes newcomer Cody Durden at UFC event Aug. 1

Chris Gutierrez has a new opponent for the UFC’s return to Las Vegas.

Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that Cody Durden will replace Luke Sanders to face Gutierrez at the UFC’s event on Aug. 1 following an initial report by the Wrestling Observer. The card will take place at the UFC APEX.

Gutierrez enters the matchup riding a three-fight winning streak. Following his short notice UFC debut loss to Raoni Barcelos at the TUF 28 Finale in November 2018, “El Guapo” earned decision wins over Ryan MacDonald and Geraldo de Freitas. In his most recent appearance, Gutierrez picked up his first UFC finish—a second-round leg kick TKO finish of Vince Morales at UFC on ESPN 9 in May.

Durden, an American Top Team Atlanta standout, makes his UFC debut riding an impressive seven-fight winning streak. The 29-year-old has finished 10 of his 11 professional victories, including a first-round finish of John Sweeney earlier this month at for Georgia regional promotion NFC.

The UFC’s Aug. 1 event will be headlined by a three-round middleweight matchup between Derek Brunson and Edmen Shahbazyan.