With UFC 173’s lineup a little heavy with 13 fights, a lightweight matchup between Yves Edwards (42-21-1 MMA, 10-8 UFC) and Piotr Hallman (14-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) has been pushed back a few weeks to UFC Fight Night 43 in New Mexico.

UFC officials today announced the change in plans.

UFC 173 takes place May 24 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena, while “UFC Fight Night 43: Henderson vs. Khabilov” takes place two weeks later on June 7 at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque.

Edwards, 37, suffered his third consecutive loss in his most recent bout, which came via knockout against Yancy Medeiros at “UFC Fight Night 31: UFC Fight for the Troops 3,” but the result was overturned when Medeiros tested positive post-fight for a banned substance.

In his third and most recent stint with the UFC, Edwards, a 17-year vet who in the mid-2000s was considered the octagon’s uncrowned champion in the lightweight division, is 4-5 and desperately needs a win to stay with the promotion.

Edwards will attempt to quash the rise of the 26-year-old Hallman, who suffered his first octagon setback in his most recent appearance when he was outpointed by Al Iaquinta at UFC Fight Night 30. The decision loss followed an impressive submission victory over Francisco Trinaldo in his debut at UFC Fight Night 28, which was his 10th consecutive win.

With the addition to the card, UFC Fight Night 43 now includes:

Benson Henderson vs. Rustam Khabilov

Ross Pearson vs. Diego Sanchez

Lance Benoist vs. Bobby Voelker

John Dodson vs. John Moraga

Yaotzin Meza vs. Sergio Pettis

Yves Edwards vs. Piotr Hallmann

For the latest on UFC 173 and UFC Fight Night 43, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Piotr Hallman)