Will the real opponent for John Salter please stand up?
After Nick Catone was forced to bow out of their middleweight mash-up due to a back injury, former 185-pound number one contender David Loiseau was called up on short notice to take his place at UFC 113: "Machida vs. Shogun II" on May 8 from the Bell Centre in Montreal.
Unfortunately the Quebec Athletic Commission had other plans.
"The Crow" was denied a license to compete earlier today, prompting event officials to scour the Canadian fight scene for a middleweight competitor who knows his way around a cage.
They didn't have to look far.
Sportsnet.ca is reporting that UFC veteran and popular Canadian fighter Jason MacDonald (24-13) is getting the chance to resurrect his Octagon career a week from Saturday on his home turf -- though bout agreements have yet to be signed.
"The Athlete" was released from the UFC last May (2009) after a nearly three-year career inside the Octagon. MacDonald was halfway through a four-fight contract signed the previous September and even had the chance to be immortalized courtesy of a Round 5 action figure.
Unfortunately the Canadian had been inconsistent during his tenure with the world's largest fight promotion, going 5-5 and losing two straight, including a dreadful performance against Nate Quarry at UFC 97: "Redemption" that likely prompted his walking papers.
MacDonald was never able to gain any traction in the 185-pound division since bursting onto the scene in 2006 with back-to-back submission wins over Ed Herman and Chris Leben. Still, he brings a well rounded arsenal to the table and has recently assembled a three fight winning streak in smaller promotions.
And since he's already experienced the highs and lows of a UFC career, you can bet he'll be looking to make a major statement on May 8.
Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more updates on this still-developing story.
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