UFC 92 shake up: Antoni Hardonk vs Mike Wessel with Mark Burch out

Heavyweight Antoni Hardonk (7-4) will be in search of his third consecutive win inside the Octagon at UFC 92: "The Ultimate 2008" at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 27.

He’ll now have to do it, however, against a last minute replacement.

Mike Wessel (6-0) has stepped in for Mark Burch and will make his promotional debut on the blockbuster New Year’s Eve card. No explanation was provided for the late switch.

Hardonk rebounded from back-to-back losses to Justin McCully and Frank Mir to score two stoppages in his most recent performances against Eddie Sanchez and Colin Robinson. The Dutch kickboxer now sports a winning UFC record (3-2).

Wessel is an undefeated fighter out of Little Rock, Ark., plying his trade successfully in smaller shows near his home city. The former professional football player apparently first crossed paths with UFC matchmaker Joe Silva while cornering Roli Delgado at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 8 Finale just this past weekend, according to an InsideFighting.com report.

Talk about making a solid first impression.

UFC 92 features three ridiculous bouts atop the fight card, including the second half of the mini heavyweight tournament undisputed title eliminator between interim division champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Frank Mir, as well as the light heavyweight championship bout between 205-pound title holder Forrest Griffin and Rashad Evans.

And, of course, arch enemies Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Wanderlei Silva will collide for the third time in a light heavyweight clash between two of the most exciting and hard-hitting fighters in the sport.

For all the UFC 92 news and information you can handle be sure to hit up our event archive right here. Remember that we will also be the spot for up-to-the-minute LIVE results and coverage on fight night.