Report: Alessio Sakara withdraws from UFC 116 fight with Nate Marquardt

After toiling with mediocrity for just about five years in more than 10 fights, switching weight classes and training camps, Alessio Sakara appeared to be on the verge of his big break, getting matched up against former number one contender Nate Marquardt at UFC 116 on July 3 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Unfortunately for the Italian striker, he's going to have to wait a little while longer.

Figure Four Online reports that Sakara has withdrawn from the bout because his father has passed away. No potential replacement is known at this time.

"Legionarius" has put together a decent win streak over the last few months. Having defeated the likes of Thales Leites at UFC 101 and most recently James Irvin at UFC on Versus 1, Sakara had put himself in position to really climb up the middleweight ladder.

Just recently, Alessio actually called out Michael Bisping in an attempt to get a fight with the Brit, but "The Count" was already scheduled to face Dan Miller at UFC 114. So when he got the call to tangle with "The Great," he was more than likely thrilled because it appeared to be a better opportunity for Sakara to showcase his talents and take the next step in his career.

All in good time.

UFC 116 is already shaping up to be one of the promotion's biggest cards of the year. The July 4 weekend event will be headlined by the return of Brock Lesnar as he defends his heavyweight crown against undefeated mauler Shane Carwin.

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more news on UFC 116 as it becomes available.