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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
The main event for UFC Fight Night 24 just got a whole lot more relevant for the light heavyweight division.
UFC President Dana White revealed on Twitter this afternoon that Tito Ortiz has been forced out of the main event fight with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, and in his place steps Phil "Mr. Wonderful" Davis. Ortiz was forced out after requiring stitches, likely for some type of cut caused in training.
"22 stitches and a bad concussion," Ortiz tweeted. "Sucks but I will heal and be better soon."
Davis has had a rocky month, first losing his UFC 129 opponent Matt Hamill to UFC 130 and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, then getting a replacement in Jason Brilz, and now taking a fight a month earlier to take this opportunity.
He is undefeated at 8-0, with four wins coming inside of the Octagon. His performances have gotten increasingly impressive, the most recent of which being a uniquely modified hammerlock/kimura over Tim Boetsch.
Nogueira looks to rebound from a decision loss to Ryan Bader at UFC 119. That loss came after a thin split decision win over Jason Brilz last May, and he brings a 2-1 mark in the UFC into this headlining fight.
The event takes place from Seattle's KeyArena on March 26, airing live on Spike TV.
Penick's Analysis: This is a huge opportunity for Davis, and gives this fight a lot more meaning in the light heavyweight division. Ortiz may have the name, but he hasn't won a fight since October of 2006. Davis, as one of the top young prospects in the sport, now has a chance to get a win over a legit top 10 light heavyweight, and a win vaults him into the upper echelon of the division.
[Tito Ortiz art by Travis Beaven (c) MMATorch.com]
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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