The scheduled match between Jorge Rivera and Alessio Sakara has fallen through for the third time due to an injury to Sakara. Now, Rivera will take on Constantinos Philippou at UFC 133. The card takes place Aug. 6 at the Well Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
Philippou had been matched with Rafael Natal on the main card before the injury to Sakara forced the shuffle. The promotion has not announced a replacement opponent for Natal at this point.
Rivera and Sakara were first set to fight at UFC 118, but Rivera broke his arm in training. Then, before UFC 122, Sakara backed out of the event with flu-like symptoms.
Philippou madde his promotional debut at UFC 128 and dropped a decision to Nick Catone. The loss was the Matt Serra trained fighter’s first defeat since his professional debut in 2008. Before making it to the UFC, Philippou fought nine times for Ring of Combat and bested the likes of Uriah Hall, Victor O’Donnell and John Doyle.
In his last fight, Rivera had his momentum stopped at the hands of Michael Bisping. The second-round TKO defeated ended a three-fight winning streak. The veteran holds victories over Kendall Grove, Nate Quarry and Travis Lutter.
UFC 133 features a light heavyweight contest between former UFC champions. Rashad Evans will take on the resurgent Tito Ortiz.