Multiple fighters that were expected to fight at this event suffered injuries. This led to multiple fights, including championship bouts being called off as a result.
This event was expected to feature Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones’ first title defense against former Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans. But during his win over Mauricio Rua, Jones tore a ligament in his right hand, which was expected to keep him sidelined until late 2011. Not willing to wait, Evans accepted a fight against Phil Davis. However, Jones later found out that he would no longer require surgery and now is expected to make his first title defense against Quinton Jackson on September 24, 2011 at UFC 135.
On July 12, Phil Davis pulled out of his main event bout with Rashad Evans due to a knee injury suffered during training.[6] Tito Ortiz was offered to step in as Davis’ replacement but initially declined.[7] Evans was rumored to face Lyoto Machida, in a rematch of their bout at UFC 98. Machida’s camp verbally accepted the fight. However, when UFC President Dana White called Machida’s camp again to confirm the fight, the camp said Machida would fight only if he received higher pay, which White declined. In the meanwhile, Tito Ortiz reconsidered the offer and will now replace Davis.
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