The injury bug strikes again!
Tom Watson was forced to withdraw from his UFC Fight Night 30 middleweight bout against Alessio Sakara, citing an injury as the cause. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) announced Sunday (Sept. 21, 2013) that Magnus Cedenblad has stepped up on short notice to face the Italian striker.
UFC Fight Night 30 takes place at the Phones 4u Arena in Manchester, England on October 26, 2013 with Michael Bisping facing Mark Munoz in the main event. The main card will air on Fox Sports 1.
This is a quick turn around for Cedenblad, who is coming off a submission victory over Jared Hamman at UFC 164 just two weeks ago in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It took just 57 seconds for the Swede to lock in a guillotine choke and leave Hamman sleeping on the canvas.
Sakara was last seen at UFC 154 where he lost a bout to Patrick Cote by disqualification. Sakara was in control of the fight until he landed several blows to the back of Cote's head. Cote was unable to continue and Sakara left with the 'L' on his record.
They were supposed to rematch at UFC 158, but Sakara was forced from the bout due to kidney illness. He's been on the sidelines ever since.
With the new changes, UFC Fight Night 30's card is below:
Michael Bisping vs Mark Munoz
Ross Pearson vs Melvin Guillard
Phil Harris vs John Lineker
Jimy Hettes vs Mike Wilkinson
Antony Njokuani vs Paul Taylor
Ryan Jimmo vs Jimi Manuwa
Magnus Cedenblad vs Alessio Sakara
Luke Barnatt vs Andrew Craig
Michael Kuiper vs Brad Scott
Jessica Andrade vs Rosi Sexton
Norman Park vs Jon Tuck
Cole Miller vs Andy Ogle