Mark Munoz's shot at UFC gold will have to wait.
UFC president Dana White today announced via Twitter an injury has forced Munoz to withdraw from a planned UFC on FOX 2 meeting with Chael Sonnen (26-11-1 MMA, 5-4 UFC), who now meets British slugger Michael Bisping (22-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) instead.
The two clash on the FOX-televised main card of this month's "UFC on FOX 2: Evans vs. Davis" event, which takes place Jan. 28 at Chicago's United Center.
"Munoz is injured and out of the FOX fight," White posted via Twitter. "Now it's Chael Sonnen vs. Mike Bisping Jan. 28, and the winner will fight Anderson for the title."
Bisping, who recently served as a coach on "TUF 14," had been expected to face Demian Maia (15-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC). The Brit dominated fellow coach Jason "Mayhem" Miller at December live finale in Las Vegas. He ultimately scored a third-round TKO victory of Miller, who quickly faded in the five-round non-title fight. Bisping has now won four straight fights and five of his past six (all in the UFC).
Sonnen, of course, has been seeking a rematch with current champion Anderson Silva since posting a UFC 136 destruction of Brian Stann. But with the champ slowed by a shoulder injury, the outspoken showman instead will look for his fifth win in six fights when he takes on Bisping.
It's currently unclear if Maia will remain on the card. Additionally, a timetable for Munoz's return was not established.
Source: Munoz out at UFC on FOX 2; Bisping vs. Sonnen now set for shot at champ Silva