A light heavyweight matchup between Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva has been moved to headline status due to an injury that has forced Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira out of his bout with Cain Velasquez.
The UFC announced the switch today, and did not mention a possible replacement for Nogueira.
“The bout between Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva is a fight we always talked about as a main event, and now these guys have the chance to headline UFC 108 and kick off the new year in impressive fashion,” said UFC President Dana White. “At the same time, we wish Antonio Nogueira a speedy recovery and can’t wait for his return.”
Nogueira is suffering from a staph infection on his left elbow, the same injury that plagued him in his preparation for the fight with Frank Mir. Apparently the treatment he initially received for the ailment did not fully eradicate the virus, and he is now looking at three weeks of additional treatment to heal.
UFC 108 is scheduled for January 2nd from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, and will be broadcast live on pay-per-view.
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