UFC middleweight champion, Chris Weidman, is out of his highly-anticipated bout with Vitor Belfort at UFC 181.

Weidman suffered a broken hand while training for Belfort with coach, Ray Longo, on Monday, September 22.

Initial rumors circulated after Belfort took to his Facebook, sharing that his opponent broke his hand in preparation for their showdown on December 6 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, NV. Ariel Helwani first confirmed the report via UFC President, Dana White.

At a time when the UFC has been criticized for its lackluster pay-per-view cards, it’s likely fans won’t be disappointed with the main event’s replacement.

Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler will square off in a rematch for the welterweight title, giving fans exactly what they need. In a ‘Fight of the Night’ performance at UFC 171, Hendricks outlasted Lawler in a showdown for the ages. Despite a late turnaround from Lawler, “Bigg Rigg”, was able to hold on and outlasted his opponent 48-47 across the judge’s scorecards. Hendrick’s edging of Lawler came with a cost as he underwent bicep surgery following their thriller.

While an exact date has yet to be determined, Weidman and Belfort will likely take place in February of the coming year.

It’s also likely that UFC 181 won’t miss a beat with the addition of Hendricks vs. Lawler II. Shaping up to be one of the best fight cards of the year, the following bouts will also take place on December 6.

Anthony Pettis vs. Gilbert Melendez (*For the UFC Lightweight Championship)
Travis Browne vs. Brendan Schaub
Todd Duffee vs. Anthony Hamilton
Corey Anderson vs. Gian Villante

Stay tuned for the latest updates regarding UFC 181.

 

Following @GarrettDerr on Twitter.