The UFC lost an enthralling fight for its UFC 180 pay-per-view when Northern Irishman and TUF Smashes winner Norman Parke was forced out of his scheduled bout with TUF 1 winner Diego Sanchez.
Yes folks I am out of my contest with Diego, I have MCL injury but I wish to be back competing January. UFC182 would be great @ufc@UFC_UK
— STORMIN NORMAN PARKE (@norman_parke) October 2, 2014
Once that bout was off, fellow Irishman Conor McGregor began campaigning to replace Parke on the PPV, but the UFC had other plans altogether:
I am fighting @DiegoSanchezUFC in Mexico, November 15th. He spoke a big game. Now he will pay with his career. VIVA LA EIRE!!!
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) October 2, 2014
Looks like its fajita’s with the Fertitta’s in Mexico!!! #UFC180 #McGregorVsSanchez
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) October 2, 2014
While a Sanchez vs McGregor fight is enticing on paper, the UFC plans to give McGregor the next Featherweight title shot, so they opted to substitute yet another TUF alum in place of Parke. In a battle that is sure to get bloody and win “Fight of the Night” honors, Joe Lauzon will take on Diego Sanchez.
Diego Sanchez vs Joe Lauzon November 15 in Mexico City!!! http://t.co/4F0B25vyzL
— Dana White (@danawhite) October 3, 2014
Can it be November already?
