While this is not nearly as big as the recent announcement of Anderson Silva headlining UFC 153 against Stephan Bonnar, it's still pretty important news for most mixed martial arts (MMA) fans.
It was recently reported that after Quinton Jackson needed to pull out of his fight with Glover Teixeira at UFC 153, Fabio Maldonado will now take his place.
Porto do Vale Tudo had the news:
Em primeira mão: @maldonadomma substitui Rampage contra @gloverteixeira no UFC Rio ow.ly/dFJNI @ufc_brasil #UFC #ufcrio
— Portal do Vale Tudo (@portaldovt) September 13, 2012
Jackson and Teixeira were supposed to fight in the co-main event at UFC 153 until the 205-pound bout was derailed following an elbow injury to "Rampage." The new fill-in is expected to still bear the co-main event status.
Maldonado is currently on a two-fight losing streak inside the Octagon; however, both defeats have been hard fought and questionable decisions. Teixeira, meanwhile, is coming off of an emphatic UFC debut, dominating Kyle Kingsbury in brutal fashion to set up an early submission victory by way of arm triangle. He has been a highly touted fighter for quite some time, and his UFC debut had been long awaited.
This fight may not be perfect by any means, but it'll definitely be fun. Both have a ton of power standing, and Maldonado utilizes an unusual amount of body punches. These are two Brazilians who will swing to the finish at the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Oct. 13, 2012.
To check out the latest UFC 153: "Silva vs. Bonnar" fight card and rumors click here.