Two-time UFC lightweight title challenger Kenny Florian (14-5) has been forced to withdraw from a scheduled bout with fellow contender Evan Dunham (11-1) at UFC Fight Night 23 “Fight for the Troops 2” in Kileen, Texas.
Florian had worked his way into a fight to determine the number-one contender at 155, but dropped a unanimous decision at UFC 118 to Gray Maynard.
Dunham had been working his way up to title contention, earning victories in his first four UFC bouts. However, Dunham lost a controversial split decision to former champion Sean Sherk at UFC 119.
The Florian vs. Dunham bout had been slotted for the Jan. 22 main event.
UPDATE (9 p.m. CT): Florian has released a statement on his website confirming the news:
It is with deep regret that I will not be able to compete in my scheduled fight against Evan Dunham on January 22nd, due to a knee injury I sustained during training this morning. Although I have not had an MRI as of yet; the doctors are cautiously optimistic that it will not require surgery.
I want to express my sincere apologies to the fans, the UFC and Evan for not being able to compete at UFC Fight Night 23: Fight for the Troops 2. Since early September, I have been training for this fight. Evan is a great fighter and has undoubtedly been working very hard towards this fight as well. Plus, it is a big disappointment that I will not be able to fight in the octagon for the brave soldiers that fight for us.
I am determined to return to the octagon in the first half on 2011. Accordingly, I will keep you all updated.
UPDATE (10 p.m. CT):
According to Heavy.com, Dunham will instead face off against Melvin Guillard in the main event. Guillard had previously been scheduled to compete on the card against longtime veteran Yves Edwards.
Melvin is going to get choked out, Dunham is too much for him on the ground.
Good sub.