Davis withdraws from UFC 133 bout against Evans
Undefeated UFC light heavyweight contender Phil Davis has been forced out of his UFC 133 main event bout against former champion Rashad Evans due to injury.
MMAFighting.com reported the news earlier this evening that Davis suffered a knee injury that will not allow him to compete next month.
Davis, whose dynamic rise through the division has gained him contender status, earned a shot against Evans after easily defeating Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in his last bout, pushing his perfect record to 9-0. The victory was his fifth in the UFC since he debuted in February of 2009 against Brian Stann.
Now, Evans awaits a new challenge in what will be his first fight in over a year. He last fought at UFC 114 against fierce rival Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, winning via unanimous decision. Before that much-desired victory, he defeated Thiago Silva by decision in the main event of UFC 108.
Tito Ortiz was offered the bout with Evans, but turned it down. Ortiz offered an explanation on Tuesday night via his official Twitter account.
“I have a life and things to take care of,” Ortiz stated. “The fight game is about making the right choices of my career. If you knew what I have been going through you all would understand. Peaking for a fight is what makes a fighter unstoppable. Timing is everything in life. This is a rebuild year for me not do or die. The time will come again.”
UFC 133 is set for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s Wells Fargo Center on August 6. Evans will still compete in the main event, while Rich Franklin and the aforementioned Nogueira will face off in the co-main event.
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Davis Injured, Out Of UFC 133 Main Event