Michael Bisping (left)
Munoz injured, Bisping gets replacement slot against Sonnen
If UFC middleweight contender Michael Bisping wasn’t close to a title shot following his recent win over Jason “Mayhem” Miller at “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 14 Finale in December, he certainly is now.
The brash Brit will step in against Chael Sonnen in the co-main event of UFC on FOX 2 following an injury to Mark Munoz, who was originally scheduled to battle in the title eliminator.
UFC President Dana White announced the news earlier today via Twitter: “Munoz is injured and out of the FOX fight. Now it’s Chael Sonnen vs. Mike Bisping Jan. 28, and the winner will fight Anderson (Silva) for the title.”
Bisping fought just six weeks ago against fierce rival Miller, earning a dominant win that placed him in the upper echelon of the division. Sonnen, meanwhile, is coming off a dominant win of his own. He defeated contender Brian Stann at UFC 136 in October, igniting another run toward the middleweight title held by Anderson Silva.
The winner of the fight, which takes place on Jan. 28 at the United Center in Chicago, will be the next man to face the long-reigning champion. The nature of Munoz’s injury was not disclosed, nor was what will come of Demian Maia, who was scheduled to fight Bisping to open the Fox-televised portion of the “tripleheader” main card.