DaMarques Johnson and Mackens Semerzier injured and off UFC Fight Night 25 event

That injury bug that was picking off main event level talent for the past number of months? It may be targeting members of the undercard of upcoming events.

That's because news hit today that not one but two of the participants on the UFC Fight Night 25: "Battle on the Bayou" preliminary fight card, which will take place on Sept. 17 in New Orleans, have been abruptly removed from the event thanks to undisclosed ailments.

DaMarques Johnson and Mackens Semerzier are out ... and just over two weeks away from showtime, no less. This according to the promotions Twitter, which notes that replacements will be announced shortly.

Johnson was booked to bang with Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 13 contestant Clay Harvison before slipping on a banana peel and creating an opportunity for another welterweight. As it turns out, that man will be Seth Baczynski, who has already agreed to step up on extremely short notice, according to MMA Weekly.

Semerzier was looking to build on his first victory in three fights in a match-up against unheralded 32-year-old featherweight Mike Lullo.

Alas, it is not to be.

No replacement has been found just yet but when and if matchmaker Joe Silva finds a 145-pound fighter to step up to the plate, we'll pass that information along.

UFC Fight Night 25 will feature Jake Shields in his first bout since losing his welterweight title shot to Georges St. Pierre -- and first since losing his father just days ago -- against budding contender Jake Ellenberger.

For all the latest news and notes on the "Battle on the Bayou" event click here.