Cody Donovan Steps in to Face Nick Penner at UFC on FX 6

Undefeated Strikeforce veteran Eddie Mendez has had to withdraw from his scheduled UFC on FX 6 bout with Nick Penner due to a shoulder injury. The middleweight prospect announced the injury Wednesday morning via Twitter.

“Sorry to announce that I have injured my shoulder and won't be able to make my UFC Debut next week,” wrote Mendez.

Stepping into his place is another fighter looking to make his Octagon debut, Cody Donovan.

Donovan has a 7-2 overall professional record and enters the UFC riding a three-fight winning streak. Training alongside fighters like Shane Carwin and Nate Marquardt at the Grudge Training Center, Donovan is a Bellator veteran.

“After eight long years of training and doing what I love, it's finally official. Last night I signed with the UFC,” Donovan announced on his Facebook wall Wednesday morning. “I’m so grateful for this opportunity.”

Penner (11-2) is still searching for his first victory in the Octagon, having lost his debut to Anthony Perosh earlier this year. He had been expected to face Tom DeBlass in July, but had to instead sit on the sidelines due to an injury.

George Sotiropoulos and Ross Pearson – the coaches of The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes, pitting an Australian team of fighters against a team from the U.K. – square off in the UFC on FX 6 main event on Dec. 15 in Queensland, Australia.

UFC on FX 6 airs in the United States on Dec. 14 due to the time difference.

Stay tuned to MMAWeekly.com for all the latest UFC on FX 6 news and fight coverage.