Alan Belcher Injured, Phil Davis-Wagner Prado Bout Moved to UFC 153 in Brazil

The promotion recently announced that the light heavyweight affair – originally targeted for UFC on FX 5 – has been moved to Rio de Janeiro to replace a proposed 185-pound conflict between Vitor Belfort and Alan Belcher. When UFC 151 was canceled this past Thursday after light heavyweight champion Jon Jones refused a short-notice matchup with Chael Sonnen, Belfort stepped up and accepted a bout against Jones at UFC 152 on Sept. 22.

Belcher later announced on Twitter that he would not need a replacement opponent. “Everyone’s asking if I am mad at [The UFC, Jon Jones and Vitor Belfort],” Belcher said. “Answer is no. This is a blessing in disguise. I have a spinal fracture.” Belcher added that he expects to return to action in November.

Davis and Prado first locked horns on Aug. 4, when an accidental eye poke from “Mr. Wonderful” left the Brazilian unable to continue just 1:28 into the first round of their UFC on Fox 4 clash. As a result, the bout was ruled a no contest.

Davis has tasted defeat just once – a unanimous decision loss to Rashad Evans in January – in an 11-fight professional career. The Alliance MMA representative owns notable triumphs over Brian Stann, Alexander Gustafsson, Tim Boetsch and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. The 24-year-old Prado is 8-0 outside the UFC, with seven of his victories coming by way of knockout or technical knockout.

UFC 153 takes place at the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro on Oct. 13 and features a featherweight title tilt between Jose Aldo and Erik Koch. The event also includes a 205-pound duel pitting former champion Quinton Jackson against rising prospect Glover Teixeira.