Belfort out of ufc 122; marquardt steps in

An injury has forced Vitor Belfort out of his UFC 122 main event fight against Yushin Okami in Germany. In to replace Belfort will be Nate Marquardt, who just picked up a TKO win over Rousimar Palhares at UFC Fight Night 22.

Marquardt's placement in the fight was confirmed to MMAWeekly.com by sources close to the bout, who stated the fight has been signed for the new main event at UFC 122.

Bouncing back strong from his loss to Chael Sonnen in February, Marquardt made short work of Palhares in their fight last Wednesday night in Austin, Texas.

Following a leg lock attempt from Palhares early in the first round, Marquardt hammered the Brazilian with a punch that rattled him, and then proceeded to finish the fight just seconds later, getting the win at 3:28 into the bout.

The win was Marquardt's ninth in the UFC. The Colorado fighter had stated he hoped to get another fight sooner rather than later following the victory. It looks like he got his wish.

There has been no official word about the injury sustained by Belfort, but MMAWeekly.com will continue to follow the news and provide an update when more information is available.

The bout between Marquardt and Okami will headline UFC 122 in Germany, which will air via tape delay in the United States on Spike TV.

Prior to the change, the fight between Okami and Belfort was to determine a new No. 1 contender to the middleweight title. In all likelihood, the fight between Okami and Marquardt would carry the same stipulation.

What's up with Vitor and these injuries???

vitor is always pulling this crap...

Noooooooooo! I was looking forward to that fight, Vitor is one of my favourite fighters

I think Okami can pull this off his Boxing has looked crisp and his wrestling is great

Vitor needs some calcium supplements or something.

I've heard people speculating that this has been done to give Belfort a shot at Anderson Silva in place of Sonnen, because his pending drugs charge has ruled out the rematch. So basically Belfort is "injured", but he'll be recovered in time to fight Silva (which let's face it, is the only fight he truly wants).

Like I said though, it's just speculation; not sure what the reality is.

If Marquardt get's no.1 contender after this fight it is a joke.. It'll only be his second win since his last loss... And considering the last fight was a sham, I'd be more hoping he faces Palhares sooner again, rather than later..

Vitor is not injured he will be fighting the spider soon

Belfort vs Silva could be as early as ufc 125

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MikeSnowdon

I've heard people speculating that this has been done to give Belfort a shot at Anderson Silva in place of Sonnen, because his pending drugs charge has ruled out the rematch. So basically Belfort is "injured", but he'll be recovered in time to fight Silva (which let's face it, is the only fight he truly wants).

Like I said though, it's just speculation; not sure what the reality is.

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Shady.

I like it.

They did this because Sonnen is suspended for a year. Belfort is not injured. He is fighting Silva. Everybody moves up...

BTW Purple looks cute on you Yockel ;)

thank you Chris

Seems like a shady move But IF Chael is denied his rematch then I approve haha. Cause that's a fight i'd pay to see.

Anderson will fall to Belfort!

must have been belforts cheapest way of getting out of his fight contract...oh well..im pulling for the spider

Vitor is not injured. Dana has publicly verified this. Belfort vs Anderson in Jan (125). Vinny just told me about it.

Yes it can and it will. Vitor better Pray to his God that he doesnt actually get injured now. lol jks Vitor will be 100% beacause this is his time.