The UFC 98 experiment: Krzysztof Soszynski replaces Houston Alexander against Andre Gusmao

The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 8 semifinalist Krzysztof Soszynski has been tapped to replace an injured Houston Alexander against Andre Gusmao at UFC 98 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 23.

Alexander was forced to withdraw from the card after breaking his hand during training.

This is the third bout within the past four days to undergo a change in competitors. Late last week, James Irvin was replaced by Xavier Foupa-Pokam against Drew McFedries after tearing his knee and postponing his middleweight debut.

Later that day, Chael Sonnen was called up to replace an injured Yushin Okami opposite Dan Miller after "Thunder," like "The Sandman," did serious damage to his knee.

Frank Mir, Quinton Jackson and Josh Koscheck were all attached to this card at one point as well — before injuries gave them the boot.

"The Assassin" now has the honor of joining that illustrious fraternity.

"The Polish Experiment" made his homecoming at UFC 97 from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada, on April 18, defeating former WEC 205-pound champion Brian "All American" Stann via first round submission -- his third straight finish by kimura.

Soszynski (17-8-1) trains under Dan Henderson in Temecula, Calif., along with training partner Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou. He has a strong wrestling base, power in his both his hands and feet and solid submission skills to boot.

Gusmao (5-1) was originally set to face off against Antonio Mendes at UFC 93 at the O2 Arena in Dublin, Ireland, on January 17, until an injury forced him off the card and he was replaced by Eric Schafer.

The former "New York Pitbull" was undefeated until he locked horns with the up-and-comer Jon Jones at UFC 87: "Seek and Destroy" in August, losing via unanimous decision in his debut for the promotion (and enduring some low blows that may or may not have been illegal).

Prior to joining the UFC, Gusmao competed in the International Fight League (IFL). In fact, his first round knockout win (knee) of Mike Ciesnolevicz sealed the victory for the Renzo Gracie-led Pitbulls at the 2007 Team Championship Final in September 2007.

UFC 98 will feature (we hope) the light heavyweight title fight between Rashad Evans and undefeated challenger Lyoto Machida. Also on the May 23 card, former UFC welterweight champions Matt Hughes and Matt Serra will finally settle their eternal grudge match.

For the latest UFC 98 fight card and rumors click here.