The injury bug strikes again as George Sotiropoulos has been forced out of his lightweight bout against Takanori “The Fireball Kid” Gomi at UFC 144. UFC officials made the announcement on Monday that Eiji Mitsuoka will fill the void left on the card left by Sotiropoulos.
It’s been tough sledding for Gomi (32-8) since he entered the UFC in 2010. He has gone 1-3 with all three of the losses coming by submission. He last fought at UFC 135 where he was dominated by Nate Diaz before being submitted via armbar. The lone bright spot for Gomi’s time inside the Octagon was a 64 second knockout of Tyson Griffin at UFC on Versus 2.
Mitsuoka (18-7-2) has competed extensively in Japan during his eleven year career in MMA with stints in Pride, Sengoku, DEEP and DREAM. Eleven of his career wins have come by submission. Mitsuoka has won his last two bouts and most recently earned a unanimous decision over Bruno Carvalho in July 2011.
UFC 144 goes down from the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar will put his title on the line against number one contender Ben Henderson. Also featured is a light heavyweight clash between Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Ryan Bader.
