UFC matchmaker Joe Silva must be experiencing a horrible case of deja vu.
UFC 133 has experienced another high-profile loss in the light-heavyweight division as Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (19-5 MMA, 2-2 UFC) has been forced to withdraw from a planned matchup with Rich Franklin (28-6 MMA, 13-5 UFC).
The UFC currently is seeking a replacement opponent for "Ace."
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has confirmed the withdrawal with UFC president Dana White. Tatame first reported it.
A shoulder injury suffered in training is reportedly the culprit. A timetable for Nogueira's return was not immediately evident.
Featuring a recently announced main-event rematch between former light-heavyweight champions Rashad Evans and Tito Ortiz, UFC 133 takes place Aug. 6 at Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center. The night's main card airs on pay-per-view, and Franklin vs. Nogueira was slated as the broadcast's co-headliner.
Silva and UFC brass have gone through similar headaches trying to keep the evening's main event booked after light-heavyweight champ Jon Jones was unable to accept a planned bout with Evans, and replacement opponent Phil Davis was also forced to withdraw from the bout. Ortiz recently stepped in to fight Evans to save the event after initially declining to take part.
Source: Nogueira forced out at UFC 133; promotion seeking replacement to face Franklin